Detailed Reviews [Soniq Theater - 2020 - "Fortune Tunes"]

Prolusion. German project Soniq Theater has been a staple in the modern era of progressive rock, with one new album appearing in the early parts of the calendar year for the last 20 years or thereabouts. "Fortune Tunes" dates back to 2020, and is the 20th album released under the Soniq Theater moniker.

Analysis. As with just about all of the other Soniq Theater albums released, this one revolves around a handful of ingredients: Ambient music, atmospheric laden or cinematic music, progressive electronic music and progressive rock. Usually combining two or more orientations from this quartet of subtly different styles into each composition. All the compositions are instrumental, albeit with a limited amount of voice effects being used rarely, and all the compositions are performed by composer and musician Alfred Mueller on his trusty set of keyboards. This isn't a production that comes with any big surprises in any department, with Soniq Theater you pretty much know what you will get, with the main question being how compelling the material is. Mueller has a very good ear for compelling moods, melodies and harmonies, so despite the clinical, sterile and non-organic sounds from the keyboards and synthesizers the songs are by and large captivating and compelling, creating moods and atmospheres that are both pleasing and pleasant to listen to. That being said, these albums are also production you need to grow into. The obviously digital drums and basslines will alienate many listeners initially, and experiencing these albums is a journey in which your mind learns how to flesh out the sounds not present, or altering your perceptions of the existing sounds into something more appealing as you get used to them. Hence these are albums that for a very specific set of reasons needs to be given a few runs before you can make a reasoned and informed verdict. As usual for me I find the songs using greater amounts of emulated guitar riffs and electric guitar soloing to be the the weakest items here, simply because these emulations sound so noticeable digital and fake in my ears, and a few of the blaring emulated instrument sounds also struck me a s detrimental when they appeared. On the other end of the scale I'll give praise to the more interlude oriented 'The Pendulum', a compelling piano motif that sounds like it escaped from a staple from classic FM rock radio. Or a motif looking for a classic rock radio song it can elevate to a hit if you like.

Conclusion. German project Soniq Theater isn't a venture that will appeal to everybody. His output is generally stable and predictable in sound and quality though, and for me "Fortune Tunes" is a production I'd describe as above average in Alfred Mueller's by now extensive catalog. An album for those who enjoy artists creating material and exploring the landscapes inside the cinematic, ambient, progressive rock and progressive electronic landscapes, and in particular for those among them that tend to be fascinated by well made moods and atmospheres to a much greater degree than other aspects of the music.

Progmessor: September 2022
The Rating Room