Guido Meyer's "Durathon" is a brand-new EP-length CDR release from this German / Swiss musician. The title track starts with bright melodic synths. A heavy drum rhythm enters as the synths become more gritty and aggressive. Great work with panning is felt here, with sounds and echoes filling up every bit of the stereo field. Hard rocking guitar riffs are a nice addition to this driving track. It got my head nodding and my foot tapping in no time. I guarantee it will make your heart beat faster if you're into melodic, rhythmic EM with a touch of guitar. Personally, I enjoyed it immensely. "Mechanix" continues the guitar / synth interplay set by the previous number. However, this time the guitar is more prominent, making this more of a Rock number with EM elements - namely sequences and not too prominent pads. The drums are very lively again. This one got me playing my air guitar like mad. Yes, folks, Guido's music has that quality - you just can't stand still once you press the play button. You also have to wonder how it's really possible for one person to create music with such a full sound. "Square Circles" relies on sequences, a cadenced rhythm and an extremely beautiful synth lead. This, guys, is pure EM beauty and class, I am telling you. Melodic EM just doesn't get better that this. If you ever wondered what is it like to find yourself dancing under a full moon by the sea with your loved one - this track might give an idea. At least it would have been a great soundtrack for such situations. Also, kudos to Guido for crafting some really effective sequences for this one. I just wish the track was longer. Oh well, all good things pass quickly, they say. But, wait, there are still three more tracks left. Let's see what Guido has cooked for dessert. "Ginalytic" - a slow rhythm, a gritty bass drone and a nice piano melody underlined by lively drums. Again, the feeling for melody is outstanding. Guido Meyer is certainly one of the best melodists in EM these days. "The Ewinger" relies on a heavy rhythm and very 1980's keyboards. This easy-going track is not so charged emotionally, but on the other hand, features top-notch jazzy synth soloing. "Lightning Man" brings in the feeling of mystery. A syncopated rhythm serves as the basis for all sorts of synth sounds - a pad, a funky lead and other atmospheric textures. A feeling of menace permeates this track that ends this album on an unexpected note. Guido doesn't cease to surprise. Great album and boy does this music deserve a proper CD release. Artemi Pugachov (Encyclopedia of Electronic Music) http://www.pugachov.ru/eem http://www.pugachov.ru