Artist: Genre Peak Album: Ends Of The Earth Label: in-code Music Website: http://www.genrepeak.net Reviewer: Paulo André

Track List: 01. Bring Me The World 02. Always Empty 03. Pleasure To Burn 04. Point of No Return 05. Ends of the Earth 06. Skin 07. Night Falls On Chance 08. Microsphere 13 09. Microsphere 3 10. Microsphere 8 11. Pleasure To Burn (Arp Mix) Sometimes I look out the window and it's gloom and doom out there. On those occasions I tend to think music as a form of art and expression is a little compromised and it's hard to find new truly inspiring records coming out these days. Then a record like Genre Peak's "Ends Of The Earth" comes along and it lifts the shadows, making me believe that we only need to dig a little further. Genre Peak is the result of a collaboration between Martin Birke, Stephen Sullivan and Daniel Panasenko, "Ends Of The Earth" being the trio's first full-length to date. It plays like an hypnotic mix of trance, pop and electronica, punctuated by a strong backbone of electronic drums and Chapman Stick and while it's not the best thing since sliced bread (hard to top that), it's definitely one of the most inspired records I've heard in some time. It also reminds me that some of the most interesting music nowadays is happening where pop meets electronic, with a soft hint of psychedelia for good measure. But make no mistake, as Martin Birke is no new kid on the block, having been around for the past 15 years with the different projects. "Ends Of The Earth" sounds and feels uncompromised, going through different moods but always maintaining a cohesion that sometimes is lacking in similar records. It's also pretty much dark in nature but not necessarily depressing. Opening in a more poppy rhythmic beat- driven fashion, the first four tracks are standouts that sound defiant and laid back at the same time. The trio definitely shines in here, making perfect use of the stereo field and a perfect production is the cherry on top. A kind of late night feeling ensues for a couple of tracks, serving as a sort of segue into what'a arguably the masterpiece of this record, the inevitable "Microsphere" suite. Why they're order 13 to 3 to 8 is anybody's guess, but it just sounds trippy and plain great. This is ambient, soundscape, progressive electronic at its best as far as I'm concerned. It's no surprise that I have to close this review by strongly suggesting you get yourself a copy of "Ends Of The Earth" if this kind of sound is your thing and because Genre Peak are pushing the boundaries of modern pop music here. You won't be disappointed. As for me, I'll be on the lookout for whatever these guys put out in the future. Band: Martin Birke: Vocals, Electronic Drums, Programming Stephen Sullivan: Guitar Synthesizer, Vocals Daniel Panasenko: Chapman Stick