Dave Pearson: Synthesisers, Drum/Sequencer Programming, Bass & Lead Guitars
Influences
Tangerine Dream, Edgar Froese, Jean Michel Jarre, Johannes Schmoelling, Paul Haslinger, Steve Jolliffe, Klaus Schulze, Manuel Göttsching, Chris Franke, Kraftwerk, Mike Oldfield, Pink Floyd, David Gilmour, Peter Gabriel, Genesis, Vangelis, Bill Laswell, Jah Wobble, Gong, Daevid Allen, Gong, Steve Hackett, Steve Hillage, Peter Baumann, After Crying, Vedres Csaba, Townscream, VdGG, Peter Hamill, Hawkwind, Mainframe, King Crimson, David Bowie, Faust, David Cunningham, Eno, VHK, Yonderboi, Presser Gabor, Ash Ra Tempel, to name but a few...
Sounds Like
Tangerine Dream, Berlin School, lots of others, to be honest, you decide!
computerchemist is the ongoing solo project of Dave Pearson, who lives in Székesfehérvár, Hungary, after moving from the UK in 2008.
Over nearly 30 years Dave's music has been strongly influenced by “classic” Berlin School performers such as Tangerine Dream (mostly from the '72-'86 period) and Klaus Schulze, as well as taking inspiration from newer, more contemporary musicians with a diversity ranging from The Mars Volta to Csaba Vedres.
computerchemist's third album "landform", released in December 2008, is yet again sure to delight fans of the EM genre. His latest excursion takes the listener into an ethereal synthesizer and guitar landscape, with a distinctly original take on the classic Berlin-school sound.
His second album, "icon one", was released on new year's eve 2007, and takes the listener on a voyage of sonic discovery; from the energy and light of the title track "icon one" to the darkness and entropy of "icon zero"; the last track, "the message", carries a simple premise; we all have within us the power to change the future.
In November 2007, Tangerine Dream Fans Zone Radio played some exclusive finished master tracks from "icon one".
computerchemist's first album “atmospheric” was released in January 2007 to critical acclaim. Drawing heavily on the Berlin School sound, but interpreting it in a distinctly modern style, within its seven tracks it takes the listener on a fresh voyage of discovery, with each piece telling a very different story through the universal medium of music.
“landform” from computerchemist - reviews
"Dave Pearson aka/Computerchemist’s third album, Landform is a revelation. A revelation that, for me, at least, took place gradually as I listened to the album several times in a one week period. I like it a lot!
A few things about the album:
First, if you like classic EM sequencing, its here in liberal doses. On one or more occasions, that sequencing comes unexpectedly, the same technique used by the master Klaus Schulze, who surprises with sequencer appearances and tonal direction frequently. The sequencing always takes on more of a "thrill factor" for me when it comes suddenly, as a surprise.
Second the sounds are all first class, the album is well recorded and there are some special surprises along the way in terms of effects and even a female voice in the background (which is that of Joss who was one of the DJs on the Mexican internet radio show "Después del Eclipse" who did the first "exclusive" of Icon One before the album launch). Also, the drumming at times hits a high level that reminded me a little of the special sound in Go Live from Paris. I also found it striking how beautiful and varied the string pads are on this album.
The first song, After the Eclipse leads off with brief vibe-like synth, evolving quickly into classic T-Dream, Hoenig, Schulze style sequencing. The song quickly mixes in drums, lead guitar (a searing lead that sounds very good, reminding at times of Steve Hillage or even Manuel Göttsching). A special treat is the background spoken female voice (Joss) with an almost accordion-like sound accompanying it briefly. All the while, sequencer plays along with lush string synth pads - joined by male choir in the second half of the song.
"After the Eclipse", as with the other four songs, is nice compositionally, always changing things up before any threat of boredom occurs.
Second is Darklight Drive, a 12 minutes plus song that is sure to delight! Piano and a dark sounding, very rich cello set a mood early. Higher strings counterbalance that a bit but the overall effect is emotion producing for me. A sudden sequencer plays at 3 minutes, joined quickly by drums and plaintive guitar work. The guitar and sequencer dominate for awhile, complemented at times by some imposing power drumming, bass and lead that hits with the impact of some of the power passages of King Crimson in the Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, Starless and Bible Black, Red period.
There is a synth sound (using the "Crystal" VSTi synth) that scrubs and swishes; early in the song it sounded a bit like birds and up in the mix. Later, it’s less up front and I found myself wondering if it wouldn’t be better without that sound, which is repeated several times. That is difficult to say, though. Dave explains it this way, "It's used sparingly in the first part, I likened it to maybe flocks of birds at dawn, swamp creatures, and as you've picked up also in the third part, the interlude between the two rather guitar heavy pieces, but there it's more like the slow drifting of something between two more powerful phases, like the interplanetary gap between the launch and the landing powered phase of a space journey."
The sequencing in "Darklight Drive", takes on an ethereal sound late - backed by mid octave pads that complements it well. The drumming patterns are also very interesting late in the song. This is where the volume control may go up! "Darklight Drive" is a strong and powerful track!
Third up is Cavesearch, which starts out with Dave playing the piano (synthesized but sounding realistic). He has obviously had training on the piano. Lush pads, light drumming and a hint of female choir take the song forward at a moderate pace. Pensive flute is followed by gathering momentum including sequencer and decisive, sharply attacking drum hits.
A propulsive and exciting sequencer launches "Cavesearch" toward a very intense period culminating with the lead guitar and sequencing alternating with each other in a "musical conversation". The final minutes of "Cavesearch" are filled with inventive, creative sound elements that come across as a treat.
Fourth is the title track, Landform. It starts with an extended solo string pad, yielding to sequencer and Minimoog-like sweeps through the soundscape. The song has a moderate pace, overall, guided by the drumming and featuring many swirling pads and other lead synth sounds.
The last song, which is my personal favorite on Landform, is Geoid. The special quality of this piece is made by the mysterious sounding, lilting and magical sequencer which backs the whole track. In front of the beat are liberal lush pads and some of the most inspiring guitar work on Landform, reminding me a bit of Manuel Göttsching’s scorching guitar work on In Blue (by the maestro, Schulze). This is a killer song and could be quite addictive!
I think that while Computerchemist’s style can easily remind one of Tangerine Dream, his style is unique, refreshing and all his own – a real change from the typical EM sound but yet retaining several of its best ingredients.
I had a lot of fun listening to Landform this last week!" - Greg Allen, November 30, 2008
Author of Klaus Schulze : Electronic Music Legend (http://www.klausschulzebook.com)
"Landform" is the third album of British musician Dave Pearson who currently resides in Hungary. It contains five massive tracks stretching over 50 minutes. "After the Eclipse" begins with reflective electric piano. However, in just a few seconds a sequence appears and drums are introduced. Melancholic pads really remind on 1980's Tangerine Dream. When the echoing guitar is introduced, the TD comparison becomes almost inevitable. Melodically, this track is very strong. Schmoelling & co couldn't do it any better. The sequencing shines through around the 5-minute mark as reflective Mellotron strings add that special touch. I also like the drums that sound lively and vigorous. "Darklight Drive" is much more subtle, beginning with long synth pads, a few effects and nice piano playing. It's all fairly atmospheric and suspenseful. Dark cellos add a touch of mystery, before bright sequences and a bit funky guitar take things to a completely different territory. There's almost a Hard Rock / Industrial vibe to this track, with distorted solos, grungy sequences and heavy drums. The synths are much more aggressive than what is to be expected from Dave. This is stark and dark Electronic Music that will still be enjoyed by fans of the classic Berlin School works. The sequences in the second part of this track are some of the best I've heard in a while. The drums go insane, adding a touch of Krautrock and Mellotron strings finish off this satisfying piece of music. "Cave Search" starts as a piano solo, before subtle synth pads come out of nowhere. The drum rhythm appears in a relaxed tempo, with Mellotron strings and horns serving as basic melodic ingredient. The sequences appear in typical Berlin School fashion once again, as the track becomes more urgent and propulsive. A section of reflective pads is torn apart by a storm of rapid sequencing and effects. A "motorik" rhythm starts, adding that pleasant Rock touch. Nice guitar riffs appear, as all rhythms drown in a sea of distorted effects. The sequence tries several times to win a place under the sun, as guitar wails become even more menacing and unsettling. More crystalline sequences appear, as Mellotron strings finish off this epic track. The title cut is next. Ethereal flutes and slightly phased strings paint an airy and magic landscape. A bubbly sequence starts, as darkish synthesizers envelop the electronic rhythm. The sequences are very prominent, while all other sounds support the rhythmic pulsations. Overall, it's a relatively soft, atmospheric track from Dave. Finally, "Geoid" is straight into laid-back and tasty sequencing that, for some reason, reminded me on Redshift. A wonderful beginning of a scorching EM track. The guitar solo is very Froese-like and fits perfectly to this kind of music. The sequences become more rolling and intricate, as wonderful electric piano adds a Jazzy touch. It's guitar and drums mostly for a couple of seconds before the sequence returns in all its glory, only to be interrupted by melancholic strings and guitar. "Landform" is certainly the best album by Dave in terms of atmosphere and composition. A real treat for fans of sequencer-based music. - Artemi Pugachov, Encyclopedia of Electronic Music
“icon one” from computerchemist - reviews
"A furious stream of body-rocking old-school Berlin-influenced electronic joy... Pearson sits down at his piano for the beautifully dramatic closer, "The Message," then sets it afire with a ripping guitar line. There's a distinct cinematic/narrative overtone to all the pieces here, the longer ones clearly sliced into movements, and the sonic imagery comes across quite clearly. It's a very tasty ride, especially for the analogue-heads among us. Icon One is a Hypnagogue Highly Recommended CD." - John Shanahan, Hypnagogue
"Powerful stuff. Hard Rock EM, anyone?... This is EM with a strong Rock edge. I guess if we take Tangerine Dream's instrumentation of the 1990's (keyboards, guitars, drums, sax etc) and take away most of the Pop / easy-listening sensibilities typical of their music from that era, we'd get something like "Icon One"... Dave Pearson is certainly an artist to look out for." - Artemi Pugachov, Encyclopedia of Electronic Music
“atmospheric” from computerchemist - reviews
"Now, that's what I call quality EM. If you like melodic, Tangerine Dream-influenced sound, be sure to check this one.... Atmospheric is a nice EM album that's well worth checking out" - Artemi Pugachov, Encyclopedia of Electronic Music
" Jump in the Wayback Machine, Sherman, and let’s go back to the heyday of analogue electronic music! Set the controls—no, not for the heart of the sun, Sherman—for Computerchemist’s well-programmed and enjoyably nostalgic CD, Atmospheric. Well worth a listen, and a nice addition to any mix." - John Shanahan, Hypnagogue
“Nice to hear what your up to, I always love to hear people being themselves. Lots of detail and colour. keep it flowing.” - Steve Jolliffe
“If you want to fly and leave the hardships of this reality behind or search for unknown, restful worlds, this music will help you a great deal.” - Csaba Vedres
All albums are now available through CDbaby and via electronic download too, as well as iTunes and other reputable e-music sites.
First of all, thanks for accepting our request! secondly.. awesome ambiences you've got here, and thirdly, greetings from Lisboa, Portugal. Keep on and on with the good work!!! Cheers ;)
Hello sir, thnx for the add. Appreciated. Glad that u liked CH's tunes. :-) Welcome to the ambient musical world of Cadenced Haven....... Peace Laila CH xxx
dear computerchemist-dropping by to send some love-your music is unique-seminal-and outright awesome; i shall spread the word here in melbourne-about your amazing talent-love light compassion-love mandy oxo oz
Hi Computerchemist Don't miss the opportunity to play at the world's biggest festival for upcoming bands! Play at the best and biggest venues in your country. Sign up your band today at www.emergenzanordic.com Hope to see your band ON stage! All the best Emergenza Festival
Thanx for the support. Awesome work.."cavesearch" and "the message" are just beautiful pieces of production. Cheers from London, and we hope you take some time to listen to our own eclectic brand of house music. Best wishes for your future projects.
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