Full Review

Will Gregory Moog Ensemble, Heat Ray: The Archimedes Project Review

The Will Gregory Moog Ensemble, led by the multifaceted Will Gregory, known for his work with Goldfrapp, dives into the realm of ancient mathematics and modern electronic soundscapes with their debut album Heat Ray: The Archimedes Project. This ambitious project combines a fusion of analogue synthesizers and orchestral arrangements, inspired by the brilliant mind of Archimedes, the Greek mathematician, engineer, and inventor of the third century BC.

Gregory, a distinguished musician and record producer from Bristol, England, is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of music. With a career that includes forming the electronic pop group Goldfrapp and collaborating with notable artists such as Tears for Fears, Peter Gabriel, and The Cure, Gregory’s innovative spirit shines through in this latest endeavor. The Will Gregory Moog Ensemble has been performing since 2005, but during the pandemic lockdowns, Gregory delved into the world of Archimedes, inspired by online lectures. This intellectual curiosity laid the foundation for Heat Ray: The Archimedes Project.

The ensemble, comprising up to fourteen players, including Portishead’s Adrian Utley and Mute’s Daniel Miller, utilizes a range of vintage synthesizers such as the Minimoog, Moog Voyager, Korg 700s, Prophet 6, and Roland JX3P. These instruments, each with its unique personality and quirks, create a rich tapestry of sounds that are both nostalgic and futuristic.

The album features the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, which seamlessly blends electronic and classical elements. This collaboration brings a cinematic quality to the music, reminiscent of electronic pioneers like Wendy Carlos and John Carpenter.

“Young Archimedes” opens the album with a sense of wonder, featuring lush orchestral arrangements that complement the melodic spirals of the synthesizers. The integration of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales sets a grandiose tone, inviting listeners into the intricate world of Archimedes.

“Buoyancy Theory” brings a foundation of rhythmic textures; this track plays with the concept of buoyancy through buoyant, bouncing synth lines and dynamic orchestral swells. It captures the essence of Archimedes’ principles with a playful yet sophisticated touch.

“Circles, Spirals and Pi” exemplifies the ensemble’s ability to create circular structures in music, mirroring the mathematical beauty of pi. The interweaving of synths and strings produces a hypnotic effect, drawing listeners into a meditative state through distance and resolution.

“Law of the Lever” buzzes with bold brass and wind instruments. This piece conveys the power and elegance of Archimedes’ lever principle. The doubling of bass synth notes with timpani adds a layer of depth and drama. The percussive attack of the various Moogs also adds a rich texture.

“The Claw” features pulsating electronic raindrops that build into a torrent of sound, much like the invention it’s named after. The orchestral elements enhance the mechanical precision of the synths, creating a vivid auditory experience.

“Archimedes’ Screw” begins with gentle electronic pulses that mimic the turning of the screw, gradually building into a complex interplay of sound that lifts the listener, much like the invention lifts water.

“Heat Ray” evokes the intensity of focused solar energy; this track radiates with vibrant electronic textures and soaring orchestral crescendos. It’s a powerful representation of Archimedes’ legendary heat ray.

“The Sand Reckoner” is as close to the sound of mathematics as music can get. This track uses intricate patterns and sequences to convey the concept of counting grains of sand, and the result is both stimulating and hypnotic.

“Archimedes’ Legacy” closes the album with a reflective piece that encapsulates the enduring impact of Archimedes’ work. The melding of analog synths and orchestral elements creates a colorful, timeless soundscape with every note.

Heat Ray: The Archimedes Project is an enjoyable blend of historical inspiration and modern musical innovation. With their extensive use of vintage synths and orchestral collaboration, the Will Gregory Moog Ensemble has crafted an intellectually stimulating and sonically captivating album. This project pays homage to Archimedes and pushes the boundaries of electronic music, making it an album reflecting the power of curiosity and creativity and the spirit of discovery that drives science and art. That’s the short of it!