Neuronium
Digital Dream

THE REVIEW

European electronics has had more than one face throughout its history, even though it was initially dominated by the Germans. One of the most unique cases is that of Neuronium, a Spanish group founded by leader Michel Huygen in 1977, which under his name or that of his creation has published so far (being still very active) over 35 works.

"Digital Dream" is the third album by Huygen's formation, a Belgian transplanted to Barcelona. As soon as the opening track, "Flying Over Kai Tak", starts, it feels like flying over an unknown planet and having a musical description of the various landscapes encountered along the way, such is the imagination and vivacity of this 25-minute long suite. Upon closer examination, one realizes that Kai Tak was the name of Hong Kong's airport, closed in 1998 due to its reputation as the most dangerous airport in the world: to land, the planes had to slalom between mountains and skyscrapers because of the physical layout of the location...

Subtle irony in this title? Perhaps. The fact remains that the track is a valid example of Neuronium's production from those years, extensively drawing from the most renowned names of European electronics. In this album (and others of theirs), echoes of Klaus Schulze, Tangerine Dream, Jean Michel Jarre, and Vangelis are continuously felt: reference points to which the Catalan group adds its touch, particularly in the sharp tones of Michel Huygen's keyboard solos and those of Carlos Guirao's electric guitar.

The rest of the album is of good quality, even if not comparable to the wild opening track: "Privilege" is a much shorter piece, 4 minutes, built on a well-characterized melodic theme and a sustained rhythmic base. The closing is entrusted to "Les Tours du Silence", 17 minutes in which the electric guitar of Guirao plays an important role, alternating with that of guest musician Santi Pico, first in some subtle touches that are limited to reproducing sound effects, then, 10 minutes in, in a long solo that gives way to Huygen's keyboards at the end.

It's evident: "Digital Dream", released in 1980, is a successful title for the Catalan group. The musicality present in this work is assured and convincing, and the album has carved out a prominent place in the hearts of fans of the genre.