Tegula [19:08] Toxic Blue [24:53] Nebulous [7:05] Valve [7:10] Aquarius [2:29]

product info

Brendan Pollard - Mellotron M400 plus various tape frames, Beast Duophonic Modular System, Bohm Soundlab Modular System, SRS RP3 Noise Generator Modular System, Doepfer MAQ 16/3 Sequencer, Fender Rhodes Stage 54, Elka Rhapsody, Arp Pro DGX, Micromoog, Octave Kitten, SRS Aurora Monosynth, SRS Philtertron, Roland JP8000, SRS Dual Phaser Units, Dynacord EC280 Echo, and Dynacord Analogue Delay. No computer, Atari or any software was used. Adrian Dolente - Guest Musician on "Tegula"

review

A few words come to mind when I play this album, Magnificent, exceptional and a real shot in the arm for 70's synthesized music. Well done Brendan,and in fact the promo disc is even better if this is possible. 2005. Gerry Quirke / England After listening 3-4 times I can say, that the whole CD is a very good work from Brendan. It is varied. In my opinion the best track is TEGULA, followed by TOXIC BLUE. (On the promo disc THE BEAST SINGS.. is also remarkable). I listened to some other electronic music CDs in the last weeks. But this was the best, definitive! 2005. Helmut Paul / Germany If you like your TD 70's rather than the aural wallpaper they now put out, then buy this album. Basically does exactly what it says on the tin - takes Rogue Element's Premonition and expands it into a far more musically accomplished whole. Worth it for Valve alone (although I would have liked to have seen another 10 minutes on this track) but Tegula and in particular Toxic Blue challenge the listener more and are ultimately more satisfying with the waves of mellotron sound and well crafted sequencer developments reminiscent of Phaedra and Rubycon. If you only buy one EM CD in the next 12 months then make it this one. 2005. Martin Dimmock / UK

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Great combination of sounds, tons of mellotron going on especially choirs. Great sequencing, im my opinion a step above Premonition, keep in mind still a great one though. 2005. Michael Preston / US

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I recieved the Expansion CD today, and have listened twice to them already. What can I say, but wow!! This is reliving the 70's all over again, TD resurrected once more. Brendan delivers the goods right on target and literaly blows away all the competition who try and imitate or do poor copies of TD, like all that rubbish mentioned at the top: Astrogator et al. RMI and FSP do not even have a look-in as far as this CD is concerned. You want the real-deal in EM then buy this, it's money well spent and it will be jewel in your collection for many years to enjoy. So Mr. Pollard hurry up with your next CD, my cash is waiting. I forgot to mention - Loads of sequences, Mellotrons and more mellotrons what more could you possibly want/ask for. 2005. Animal Leader / UK

review

The genre of Spacemusic was born out of a hand-full of albums released by a few Berlin based groups in the mid-1970s. Since that time, a great deal of music has been created which owes much to this faction's inspired early work. Of the multitude of albums produced, only a few manage to accurately re-create the mysterious moods and sprawling scale found on the originals. Add to this constellation Expansion (60'55") by Brendan Pollard. This album aspires to something beyond the mere imitation of the classics. Pollard's work is more about rediscovering the spacious minimalism responsible for the enigmatic character of the original than it is the process of moment-by-moment recreation. Along with an arsenal of vintage instruments, key in producing the hallmark sounds of classic cosmic music, is Pollard's sense of pacing, arrangement and scale. He comprehends that everything worthwhile is happening between the notes. Melodic and harmonic content is provided by an abundance of time-honored Mellotron sounds and synthesizer tones. His lead lines hover wistfully above the throbbing pulse of interlocking, multi-layered sequencer patterns which race ahead then diminish into swirling atonal ether. The compositions are restrained, rendered without any sharp edges, and posses an authenticity of both tone and mood - right down to the yearning of a generation seeking to find its place in the cosmos. Chuck van Zyl / STAR'S END

review

Expansion by Brendan Pollard, one half of the band Rogue Elements has gone one step beyond their Premonition cd. Expansion is a 5 track cd with a playing time of 60:55. It starts with the track Tegula. This is a quiet tranquil opening which leads into one of many mellotron male choir loops. Tegula is an excellant lead into track 2, Toxic Blue. Toxic Blue alone is well worth the price of this cd. It starts out with some modulated sound effects eventually joined by a flute with some interesting effects layered underneath. At the 3:00 mark one of the best mellotron male choir loops I've ever heard enters. This spine chilling but yet heavenly sound plays on for the better part of 4 minutes. At this point some strings, a flute and a very subtle male choir with some background winds carry you off on to the rest of your journey. Multiple sequences are mixed in with an assortment of tron oboes,violins and flutes. A strong 9/10 minutes of this, then finalized with a male choir tron exit. Track 3 Nebulous has 7 minutes of a 70's Tangerine Dream sound but mixed in with Brendan's 2005 insight for his own personal sound. Track 4 Valve,again around the 7 minute mark is full of layered sequences and even more from the mellotron. Track 5 is titled Aquarius and is a fitting end to 60 minutes of wonderful music. Brendan has taken the mellotron and has tamed it into this collection of musical insight here. For those of you lucky enough to have the demo copy, there are 2 bonus tracks included. This cd is intended to be listened to using a high quality pair of headphones for maximum listening enjoyment. 2005. Art Howe / USA

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I've just discovered Brendan Pollard and Rogue Element. I am totally hooked. I will be reviewing 'Premonition' after this so I'll try not to overlap opinions. The music in 'Expansion' is a lot like the early 70's Tangerine Dream. Think 'Phaedra' and 'Rubycon'. There are long, flowing spacy sounding parts interspersed with more melodic(?) driving synth beats. I'm sorry I'm not more musical so I can say what instrument is playing. I think it may be the Mellotron that has a more driving, percussive sound. I've listened to this a number of times and enjoy it... but not quite as much as 'Premonition'. Thanks Brendan, for bringing back the Tangerine Dream I love! 2005. Tim Walburg / USA

review

As one half of UK-based outfit Rogue Element, Brendan Pollard is busy reinvigorating the music of early electronic music bands like Tangerine Dream and artists such as Klaus Schulze. While their first album "Premonition", played entirely on original equipment from those pioneer days, sounded like a sweet dream from the 70s, his solo debut takes things one fascinating step further. "Expansion", long in the making and ­ albeit on the smallest of scales ­ highly anticipated, delivers on the promise of that initial group effort, exploring darker and more direct territory. In the two opening tracks, both at around twenty minutes' length, Pollard dives deep into blackened Rhodes-harmonies, Choirs from time-warped churches, shepherd's flutes over fields of eternal night and background noises whispering and murmuring like a spherical conspiracy ­ only to emerge with hypnotically layered beats and strangely seductive melodies. The latter are far more reduced in comparison with "Premonition" and the overall more pure soundscape only adds to the feeling of being lifted from one world and taken to another. And even though fans of aforementioned acts will enjoy a lot of "deja-entendu" moments, "Expansion" is far from qualifying as plagiarism ­ that final passage in "Tegula", when the track comes crashing into a psychedelic lake of spaced-out drums and effects, only occasionally rising up for air, is far closer to the early 90s' acid-generation than it is to Woodstock. Two-minute short ballad "Aquarius" closes things off under a romantic, moon-lit sky, again hinting at a future even farther away from those famous role models. With a new Rogue Element work already in the planning, one will soon be able to judge, how much Pollard's more innovative side will have rubbed off on his partner Jerome Ramsey. 2005. Tobias Fischer / Germany

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Synth cd of 2005 by a country mile and proof positive that retro analogue synth still has a lot left to offer. Expansion is a seductive grower of a cd. The long tracks fly by because they are so enjoyable, the short tracks are frustrating because they are short! You just want to hear more and more. Keep up the fantastic work Mr Pollard! 2006. Ken Mitchell / London

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Inspired by the vintage analogic sonority, Brendan Pollard, one of the members of Rogue Element duo, has composed a series of themes that will no doubt attract the lovers of the electronic "look" of the mid seventies. "Expansion" can be defined as pure Space Sequencer Music, with dramatic melodies, as well as impressive passages dominated by the sequencers. A certain nostalgic air is present in some of the themes, although there are others with merry passages. There also are static passages, with a strong presence of ghostly choirs. Edgar Kogler

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Brendan Pollard is part of the English duet Rogue Element, this duet who gave us the 2004 master piece; Premonition. Thus it is without surprises that he presents here a solo opus with the divine sonorities of the analog years. Expansion could be regarded as a continuation of Premonition that no one would be astonished by that. Solitary chords float in a dark atmosphere, with mysterious lapping and sound effects resembling to cosmic cetacean. Choirs with monastic voices spout out of this artificial nothingness that a flute comes embellish. A lazy bass line undulates with strength and resonance, under a delicate sequence and stream-lines synths. Tegula takes life on the reverberations of this low sequence tint of abyssal voices and superb synth solos. The title deviates in an atmospheric sphere where dark pulsations reflect on sound effects to thousand and ones struck forms. It’s under heteroclite noises, creating atmospheres bordering a synthetic schizophrenia that Toxic Blue moves on. From flute to dark chorus, passing by chord strings breaths, the mellotron float in this iconoclast sphere where a soft floating passage succeed to touch us, right before the rise of the wind. A solitary cello takes this softness on sad chords, with cold metal sonorities. Gently, the preludes of a sequential impulse take shape on a hiccoughing bass and a floating mellotron. The rhythm becomes animated on superb sequential bits which circle with a light synth and a flute animated on resounding pulsations, before overflowing on a furious sequence which roll at high speed, as a train on a spinning rhythm of power. Another sequential passage opens around the 16th minute point under corrosive synthetic striations. Jerked, rhythm cascades on analog sound effects and a string chord mellotron, whirling with an intensity which even a flute can’t slow it down. A superb insane passage. With Nebulous, we enter a sphere where the sound effects mix with strange voices on vaporous mellotrons passages. A title worthy of the psychedelic atmospheres of Pink Floyd, but with a very up to date sound freshness. The first pleasures of Valve start as Nebulous finishes. But after a few seconds, a whirling sequence takes the lead on beautiful layers of an allured synth. The movement takes more depth when a bass line replaces the sequence and undulates over the head of the fluty mellotron, with accentuated speed. Aquarius encloses Expansion on a suave and melodious mellotron, which sails on a calm and idle water, like the sublime flute which comes to close the harmonies of Expansion. With or without Rogue Element, Brendan Pollard exploits the analog structures of the 70’s, with its quite personal touch. Beyond the mellotron passages, the English synthesist exploits a more daring sound environment, with more psychedelic and more edges passages than Premonition. To write a title like Toxic Blue alone shows an attractive audacity that could be suicidal, because only one movement in less, as in excess, could have tip up this title in a total indifference. Idem for Tegula. But Brendan Pollard knew to arrange the extremes with subtlety, creativity and emotively. Expansion is an album which we listen with the passion that it took to create it. And with headphones, the effect is unique. Sylvain Lupari / Guts Of Darkness

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Brendan Pollard, one half of the band Rogue Element, takes us back 30 years to the mellotronic heyday of Tangerine Dream and their now much imitated brand of space music. Indeed, Mellotron tapes that old have been used in the making of this album, the sonic flaws of which can be detected. Because such old equipment has been used Expansion has an authenticity not all retro albums can claim. The first two, and longest, tracks follow a typical pattern of beginning with a spacey section which eventually merges into a sequencing passage. Along with various space effects there are occasionally deep brooding cello and the expected elements of monastic chorales, lonely flutey refrains, and hard edged washes. It's enjoyable on the whole, though my one criticism is that the sequencing isn't always musical enough and can become a bit monotonous. A couple of the later tracks are in the space ambient vein without any sequencing. There's “Nebulous” which induces a feeling of mystery with otherworldly squawks and various sonics flitting across the soundscape or lurking in the backdrop. Some of the old style electronic sounds reminded me of the “electronic tonalities” in the soundtrack to the 1950s Sci-Fi film Forbidden Planet. Further in wind like washes running up and down the musical scale add to the atmosphere. My favorite piece is the all too short “Aquarius” which brings the album to a close. The sound of sloshing water forms a background for contemplative melodies on dulled piano and flute effects; and brittle synth lines give the piece a raw edge. If mid-70s TD is your thing then Expansion is worth getting hold of, especially as it feels like an old recording due to the equipment used. In this respect it stands out over some other retro albums harking back to the same era. Dene Bebbington

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Rogue Element’s Premonition was the best cd of 2004. Brendan Pollard follows it up with his solo debut Expansion. The sound remains unabashedly retro, but there are distinct differences. Musically it is more challenging and complex, and often a shade or two darker than its predecessor. The industrial edge to the sequencing on “Valve” reminds me of Node, and the Rhodes intro on “Tegula” is an intentional tip of the hat to them. A disc like Expansion shows just how much room is still available to explore. “Toxic Blue” is the epic centerpiece, a 25-minute excursion into mellotron flutes and washes of old synth sounds sure to conjure up reminiscences of first hearing Tangerine Dream’s Phaedra. It takes a long time for the atmospheric exploration to give way to sequencing, but it’s worth the wait as a very Redshift-like passage moves nimbly along. The dark chills of “Nebulous” would be equally suitable for a sci-fi horror flick or Halloween. “Aquarius” is a melancholy brief understated number, closing the disc much like TD did Phaedra with the unassuming but hauntingly beautiful “Sequent C”. My only complaint on Expansion is that the repeating bass notes in “Tegula” that start at 6:13 and run through the 13:00 mark overly dominate the piece, driving me batty before they go away. But the rest is brilliant. Highly recommended. Phil Derby / Electroambient Space

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"Expansion" is the debut cd from Brendan Pollard, who is one-half of the vintage style band Rogue Element. Last year, Rogue Element released the much acclaimed album "Premonition", and they use the original Tangerine Dream sound effects frame dating from 1975, which now also has been applied in a further improved manner. I even dare say things have become even better as the impressive music on "Expansion" proves that Brendan is a "1-man Rogue Element". The new album is massively loaded with classic TD sounds from the mid-1970s, ranging from pulsating sequencer tapestries and mesmerizing effects to haunting vintage textures. For example, there’s a chilling group of male choir mellotron sounds featured on the 2nd track “Toxic Blue”, which is the absolute highlight of the album. While listening to this grand music you sense Brendan is going all the way, mirroring the energetic sequencing of TD’s “Ricochet” in the second part of the track. There's so much beauty and depth to be found in all five tracks that more words to describe them wouldn't do it justice. The album comes to an end with the tranquil textures of the shortest track “Aquarius”. By all means, this is a top-notch album for anybody that enjoys the great music of the retro Berliner School. Highly recommended! Bert Strolenberg / SonicImmersion.org

review

Brendan uses lots of classic instruments to craft EM compositions of monumental proportions. Take the opening track ("Tegula") from Expansion as an example. Spacey effects give way to multi-tracked Mellotron choirs. This is some subtle and at the same time epic stuff, like classic Tangerine Dream mixed with Mellotron playing from Schulze's Dune. The choirs are then replaced by the weeping flute. Low bass throb is joined by upbeat sequencing and Mellotron string textures. This could easily be an outtake from Ricochet concerts. The sound is rich and everything is carefully placed within the stereo range. Thankfully, Brendan uses healthy doses of reverb to make sure the sound is pleasantly "spacey". Those who like mid-1970's Tangerine Dream will drool over this track. The sequences mutate, yielding very interesting and sometimes weird results. I think that this is pretty much "the essence" of EM. I mean, Brendan really searches for new sounds here, while too many other contemporary EM composers often forget about this simple way of not becoming boring. One of the best sequencer EM pieces I've heard of late. "Toxic Blue" starts with Mellotron flute, before an excellent phased analogue pad enters. This is some music to die for! Mellotron choir plays a beautiful melody which is then replaced by echoing sounds and a Froesean Mellotron flute / string combination. Deep cello lines serve as an introduction to a sequenced section that starts slowly, gradually gaining momentum and dominating the second part of this epic piece. If you like heavy-duty sequencing and Mellotron - this is what you've been waiting for! "Nebulous" has that wonderful 1970's sci-fi feeling throughout, with analogue sounds, echoing whispers and Theremin-like effects. Sounds a bit like Schulze's "Moogetique" transferred into active regions of the cosmos. "Valve", on the other hand, will delight fans of the sequencer as it basically adopts the formula of TD's "Movements of A Visionary" (i.e. short introduction leading into a lengthy sequencer section). "Aquarius" is a short closer filled with water sounds and Mellotron flute / Fender piano. Some might argue that Expansion is one of the most unashamedly 1970-styled albums out there and although it's true in a sense, I also found it to be one of the strongest and most successful efforts in contemporary Neo-Prog EM. I am sure it will get a lot of spins around here. 2007. Artemi Pugachov / Encyclopedia of Electronic Music

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This release from 2005 offers 61 minutes of enticing electronic music. Joining synthesist Pollard on one track is Adrian Dolente playing additional electronics. Dreamy electronics abound here, with pensive celestial textures punctuated by spacey effects that serve to coax the atmospherics into evolving from gestating harmonics into melodic substantiality. Waves of unearthly sound crest and coalesce into pastiches of divine disposition. Gradually, keyboard rhythms creep out of the seething mix to prance and cavort with expressive jubilation. Deep bass tones establish a riff that goads everything into tasty activation. A mixture of idiosyncratic tonalities serve to flesh out the music’s sound. Fanciful notes pitter away with jovial emphasis. Heavenly choral waves bask in an ascending tide of looping riffs that persist in entwining to produce lavish melodies. Pools of bubbling diodes spawn glittering passages of astral genesis that blossom into mature moods of ethereal puissance. A rhythmic presence lurks in the liquid mix. E-perc generates a mercurial propulsion with surging tempos, while cyclic keyboard chords provide auxiliary rhythms of a sparkling and engaging nature. There’s a constant sense of growth going on in this music. Things are always expanding, evolving, mutating into prosperous new levels of electronic delight. These compositions combine slow-building structure with dynamic pinnacles of bewitching appeal. Harmonic flows faithfully accrete essence, building to momentous arrangements that bristle with lively riffs and gregarious rhythms. The results are satisfying and thrilling. 2008. Matt Howarth / Sonic Curiosity