Allen Ravenstine + Albert Dennis :: Terminal Drive

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Allen Ravenstine’s synth work with Pere Ubu brought strange new textures to the rock realm in the mid-1970s. Now we can finally hear, in full, his initial stabs at finding this revolutionary sound. Terminal Drive, as presented lovingly by the Smog Veil label, is just over a quarter-hour in length, but contains multitudes – it’s an immersive journey, with Ravenstine (and bassist Albert Dennis) piloting us into parts unknown. Created using EML synths, Terminal Drive feels spiritually linked to early electronic music and the Kosmische Musik coming out of Germany at the same time, but there’s something very original and striking happening here that sets it apart. Meanwhile, Nick Blakey’s extremely well-researched liner notes add context and depth to the music – for anyone interested in Cleveland’s rich underground rock world, they’re worth the price of admission alone. words / t wilcox