Soniq Theater - 2025 - Explorer

(48:58; Soniq Theater)

Track list:
1. Explorer 4:24
2. Distant Planet 4:49
3. Supersaurus 7:50
4. Tasty Latin Bird 4:35
5. The Akasha Chronicles parts 1, 2 & 3 11:47
6. The Akasha Chronicles parts 4 & 5 6:50
7. The Akasha Chronicles parts 6 & 7 8:43

Line-up:
Alfred Mueller - all instruments


Prolusion.
German project Soniq Theater is the creative vehicle of composer and musician Alfred Mueller, and for the last three decades or thereabouts he has released solo slums under this moniker at a pace of almost one album per calendar year. "Explorer" is the 15th album to see the light of day under the Soniq Theater name, and was self released at the start of 2025.

Analysis.
The albums released by Mueller under this project name always come with some strengths and some weaknesses to them. Mueller has a very good ear for creating and exploring compelling moods and atmospheres, and over time has developed an expertise in the creation of instrumental escapades that tend to appeal quite a bit outside of the progressive rock tradition he appears to be best known for. The other side of that is that, as far as I know, these albums are still a keyboards only affair. Or at least the sounds used do come across as this being the case.

On "Explorer" we get landscapes that fall in line with many of his latest productions in that most of the compositions appear to hover around an expanded take on the ambient music tradition. Floating and dreamladen landscapes are the order of the day here, with suitably appealing melodies and harmonies coming one after the other, and in most cases with at least subtle and at times striking differences in key aspects of the individual creations.

The title track adds a little bit of a synth pop energy to sounds and arrangements that possibly draw upon the likes of Vangelis and Jarre as far as the style and orientation is concerned. 'Distant Planets' does indeed feature some cosmic sounding elements. 'Supersaurus' brings in some rock music and arguably symphonic progressive rock inspired details to the fray. 'Tasty Latin Bird' brings a playful Latin spirit to the table, as one might expect. And at last the massive 7 part 'The Akasha Chronicles', separated into three distinct tracks on the album, play around with impulses from world music first and foremost, but also makes use of elements from jazz and rock music along the way.

Having reviewed all of the Soniq Theater albums over the years, I guess I have become accustomed to the landscapes that Mueller creates at this point, and possibly to the point where my opinions are perhaps a bit more subjective than objective due to being naturalized to his specific choices in sounds, moods and atmospheres. Still, I do find that there are many solid creations to enjoy on this production, and even those who strike me as being unable to engage me on a deeper level still manage to come across as compelling creations with a charm and allure that makes them enjoyable despite some traits that might be described as detrimental.

Conclusion.
While quite a few years have gone by since Soniq Theater was synonymous with instrumental keyboard music drawing upon the legacy of the symphonic progressive rock bands of the golden age, the albums released under this moniker continue to be compelling creations that have their own particular charm. Mueller is a skilled hand at creating alluring moods and atmospheres, and those who enjoy such ventures that draw upon elements from ambient music and progressive electronic  music to craft creations that should have more of a widespread appeal should find a lot to enjoy also on this most recent Soniq Theater album.

Olav "Progmessor" Björnsen, March 2025

Links:
http://www.soniqtheater.de/