The label themselves say that DIRK's music is the closest to 'classic' TANGERINE DREAM. with 'echoes' of PINK FLOYD & ASH RA TEMPEL they have heard. My knowledge of this musical area is fairly limited, but I'll try my best to describe the sound. Side one has only two tracks, opening with "Time Machine" which sustains a constant (although pitch varying) LFO sound which gives a wobbling whistle of sound through which the meandering, semi-fantasising lead synth, and later a plodding 4 note bass line grows. I'll admit I thought it a little too simple at first, but it has a tendency to seep into your mind with it's combination of mellow synths, while it's more jagged effect keeps hooks firmly in reality. "Beyond Time" is the second & last track on this side, a much more complex sound, due more to the randomness of the echoes than to sound variation. It bases itself on another simple four-note sequence (on what sounds like guitar) while a variety of synthetics join in with a gentle rippline effect, suggesting the disturbed surface of water, with constant movement away from the epicentre. With a variety of synthetics (strings, harp & others) he creates another relaxing-yet-demanding piece of music. Side two has three tracks - "Waltz Of A 1,000 Years" which is based on a constant three note rhythm is a more Progressive Rock / Jazz style of music with matted piano & fuzzed guitar sounds providing far-reaching lead sounds while a variety of synthetics ebb & flow in the background. It has a calming sound to it while maintaining an edge of darkness, of threat. "Time Echoes" starts on what might be treated piano while a fuzz of barely discernable sound (found human voice?) grizzles in the background. A drum solo, sounding strangely out of place rises then fades, allowing an altogether stranger piece built on thick, massive organ sound to grow, beneath which what might be guitar plucks abstract images. After this is a more relaxing piece heralding the return of the drum loop. "Time Signals (Parts 1, 2 & 3)" come next, the first swelling as a dark hum of electronic noise, pulsating into something alive. The atmosphere is disturbed by another glimpse of crashing drums which, while sounding out of place, also add to the darker atmosphere of unreality. Again & again drums (provided by DIETER PÜTZ) grow & fade, themselves pulsating like the hum of synth. It lurks like a veiled threat, perhaps of impending doom. There again, it could be the precursor of a magnificent event, like the tension you feel before the mother of a storm. An effect-mutated sequential lead sound rises, bringing it's own entourage of bright sounds, creating delicate-yet-relaxing & engulfing music, which itself draws the album to a conclusion. Interesting & relaxing while remaining on the whole minimal & simplistic - this is the kind of thing DIRECTION MUSIC were more renowned for. Originally reviewed for Soft Watch.