Underwater Pilots: Tranquil Places Reviews

The German synth duo operates since the year 2002. Now Grégoire Vanoli and Manuel G. Richter offer us their debut. Groovy and smooth, that's what comes to my mind right after listening to this record. Underwater Pilots offer an electronic field where we find different style spots. We're confronted with dancy tunes ("Survive"), midtempo synthpop tracks with modern sounds and beats plus melancholic, beautiful melodies ("Loud And Clear"), trippy ballads with Depeche Mode fragrance ("Leaving Home"), instrumental pieces with soundtrack attitude ("I Prepare"), drum'n'bass rhythms ("My Darkness") and deep 80's references (Visage, Trans X) like within "Ice Cream", including robot vocals. On the other tracks the vocals appear quite pleasantly and softly, it suits to the music. It's a record that doesn't hurt your ears any time, but I'd sometimes wish they'd be a bit more fiery, their songs are just a bit too nice and unruffled to be exciting or something special. But summarized can be said, they manufactured a good appetizer with their first CD. - Breda, Virus Magazine

Am 15.11.`04 hat ein interessanter Newcomer sein Debütalbum veröffentlicht: Underwater Pilots mit „Tranquil Places“. Manuel G. Richter und Grégoire Vanoli, beide eigentlich mit fundierter klassischen Ausbildung, wagen sich als 2- Mann- Band in die mitunter subtilen Klangwelten des Electros vor. Dabei dürften sie sowohl den Geschmack von so manchem Popper als auch EBM- Freaks treffen, zaubert man doch so manchen tanzbaren und Clubhit verdächtigen Song. So legt der Opener „Loud and Clear“ kraftvoll mit mitreißenden Bässen vor, ums sich bis zu „Welcome to the World“ kontinuirlich zu steigern! Sphärische Synthie- Klänge bieten ein absolutes Dolby- Surround- Erlebnis, so dass es dem Hörer schwer ans Herz zu legen ist, den Song auch einmal mit Kopfhörern zu erleben! Auch die durchaus eingängigen Hooklines dieser beiden Lieder machen sie zu einem Muss für Electro- Fans und werden sicherlich auch in diversen Clubs Gefallen finden! Das nachgeschobene Instrumental „I prepare“ dagegen wirkt leider genauso streckend wie „Flood“ und somit wie Lückenbüßer, die andererseits für so manchen Hörer auch wiederum auflockernd wirken mögen. „So Safe“ glänzt sogar durch kurze, aber recht harte Gitarrenriffs des Gastgitarristen Daniel Meseke. Das ganze Album gestaltet sich somit recht abwechslungsreich, wobei ganz besonders das durchgeknallte „Ice Cream“ ins Ohr sticht! Im Gegensatz zu den tiefen und sphärischen Songs wie zum Beispiel auch „Leaving Home“, driftet man hier schon arg in Future Pop ab, mit – für eingefleischte EBM-Fans – arg gewöhnungsbedürftigem Text! Dieser Titel ist wohl mehr als die kleine Fun- Einlage zu werten! Textlich beschäftigt man sich hauptsächlich mit den Abgründen des menschlichen Seins, was verbal düster und ernüchternd, musikalisch jedoch teilweise melancholisch anmutet! Sehr ans Herz – oder besser: Gehör – zu legen ist die etwas eigentümliche und sehr charismatische Stimme des Sängers Manuel G. Richter! Hier ist definitiv ein großer Wiedererkennungseffekt vorprogrammiert! 48 Minuten ist das Erstlingswerk der Underwater Pilots lang, mitunter äußerst durchwachsen und abwechslungsreich. Dennoch wie bereits erwähnt für Electro- Fans richtiggehend ein Muss! Gerade mit Songs wie „Welcome to the World“ beweist man so einiges an Potential, was auf zukünftige Alben gespannt sein lässt!? - Morigan, Wave-of-darkness.de
UNDERWATER PILOTS?Tranquil Places??bereits erschienen ??Der Name dieser Band kommt wahrlich nicht von ungefähr. Das deutsche Duo führt den Hörer in die tieferen Bereiche der elektronischen Musik. Hier wird fernab von jeglichen Plattitüden und Klischees Musik gemacht. Das Ergebnis lässt sich nicht mit einem Wort beschreiben. Um einen ungefähren Eindruck zu bekommen, kann man sie noch am ehesten mit Seabound vergleichen. Denn wie die Senkrechtstarter auch, nehmen die Piloten nicht Kurs auf die Clubs, sondern auf die menschliche Schaltzentrale. Nur ab und zu zuckt des Bein wie bei I will Fly oder Ice Cream. Aber selbst hier überwiegen eigentlich die ruhigen und breiten Synthieflächen, die den Hörer in einen Zustand der Schwerelosigkeit versetzen. Besonders gelungen ist dies bei dem kurzen I Prepare. Abgerundet wird das Album mit My Darkness und seinen markanten Breakbeats. Underwater Pilots ist für das neue Jahr ein viel versprechender Act im Bereich des Intelligent Electro und Garant für großes Kopfkino. (9 Punkte) - Daniel Dreßler, Orkus Magazine
Underwater Pilots are Manuel G. Richter and Gregoire Vanoli. They are a german band creating electronic pop music with subtile darkness, melodic hooklines and dancable beats. Mostly they are located in the area of dark-electro and the future-pop-scene. Their debut album ''Tranquil Places'' is best described as catchy electro / future pop with strong influences from Depeche Mode's ''Violator'' period, ''Tranquil Places'' contains a number of potential club-hits, such as the amazing ''Icecream'' or the track ''Loud And Clear'' ( from the ''Advanced Electronics Vol. 3'' compilation ). A great debut for all fans of quality electro. - Amazon.com
Underwater Pilots are the most recent signing on Van Richter Records who present their debut album ''Tranquil Places''. Best described as catchy electro / future pop with strong influences from Depeche Mode's ''Violator'' period, ''Tranquil Places'' contains a number of potential club-hits, such as the amazing ''Icecream'' or the track ''Loud And Clear'' ( from the ''Advanced Electronics Vol. 3'' compilation ). A great debut for all fans of quality electro. - Metropolis Records
Underwater Pilots have been making music since 2002 and features the talents of Gregoire Vanoli and Manuel G. Richter. Greg and Manuel both have a classical music background but felt the pull of electronic music more and so decided to pursue that instead. When it comes to reviews I receive many CD's here at Ambient Visions and not all of them happen to be new in regards to their release dates but I consider "new" to be something that I hadn't heard before and this CD falls into that category.
Tranquil Places was originally released in 2004 but has only recently found its way into the PO Box of Ambient Visions. I have been expanding the styles of music that I feature on AV to include other genres that many of the readers of AV will find of interest. Besides there are many times that genre labels will keep someone from hearing music that would otherwise be of great interest. This release by the Underwater Pilots is a stretch again as it features extensive vocals but also might be of interest to those who are into trance and dance releases since it features a few songs that have a beat that would easily do the label of techno proud.
Survive which is track 9 on this CD comes to mind when I want to give an example of the driving rhythm that the Underwater Pilots can deliver when they are at their most agressive. Follow that with So Safe at track 10 and you have a couple of songs that really allow the listerner to immerse themselves in the sound that Greg and Manuel have created. I'm not sure if it was purposeful or not but there is an uncanny musical resemblance to Depeche Mode on many of these songs. I don't say this in a negative way because they do justice to the sound that I remember as Depeche Mode that they turned out in their early days with songs like Strangelove and Behind the Wheel or Policy of Truth. In fact their use of electronics and rhythms coupled with the strong vocals that permeate Tranquil Places actually improve on the Depeche Mode sound and give it an Underwater Pilots sensibility which is a good thing.
Tranquil Places is an impressive blend of the beat and rhythm of electronic/techno music with vocals that skillfully evoke what I liked best about the 80's and the music that was created during that time period. If you really want to get the full effect of what I am referring to check out the song called Leaving Home which is track 4 on this CD and you will be transported into a very familiar soundscape but at the same time be exploring all new ground. While not all of the songs on this CD will find a home on the dance floor they are gems nonetheless. It is obvious that a lot of time and effort went into creating this music, recording it and then mixing it down into this final product that makes for a pleasing package overall. While the music certainly reflects times gone by in a few places it is certainly not imitative or derivative as I feel that the music is more than able to stand on its own merits both musically and lyrically. It is obvious that Greg and Manuel know their stuff when it comes to creating electronic sounds and certainly know a catchy hook when they hear one.
All in all I would say that Tranquil Places is certainly a CD that should be in your collection if you have any interest in the aforementioned Depeche Mode or if you are just a person who appreciates a group of edgy songs that offers the listener a rhythmic pulsing adventure. AV recommended CD. - Michael Foster, Editor Ambient Visions
The German project formed by Grégoire Vanoli and Manuel G. Richter, duo who is dedicated to electronic music under the charming name of Underwater Pilots, is at the debut. The name has been chosen correctly, and it's representative of the perfect feeling they communicate, which turns into liquid, flowing, hypnotic songs. Also the title baptizing their debut and the artwork are in line with their electronic sound, so full of loops and samples, but also charming in its pop edges and with also some post-industrial guitar touches. Well, what they offer is all but monolithic, though given with a huge quantity of coherence. But it's not a banally commercial musical offer, since the background anguish (warning, there's a crocodile baby on the cover artwork!) allows the album to assume some deep and persuading dark shades. If we should find a term of comparison, to make a compliment, and to arouse the curiosity of the fans, we can make the name of Depeche Mode. In particular those of "Some Great Reward". - Dario Adile, Silent Scream Magazine
A bit reminiscent of early Depeche Mode (when Depeche Mode was good), Underwater Pilots is synthpop and trance rich in depth and texture. Theirs is a genuine talent clearly devout to making music for the sake of making good music, a rarity in the current climate of most genres of electronic music. Speaking of genres, Underwater Pilots crosses many. Truly a diverse artist, meshing eras and subgenres. atmospheric. thought-provoking. ("Flood" being my personal favorite track.) - D.J. Michele Sainte
Germany's Underwater Pilots make some fairly accessible synth-pop industrial akin to And One, De/Vision, with a little Spock or Covenant thrown in. Don't know them? It involves a some intelligible English vocals and some beats that are not too crazy fast. Although lumped in with the industrial crowd, Underwater Pilots don't have the crazy metal guitars or harsh vocals a la Ministry or heavy trance beats. This is a bit of a departure from Van Richter's usual aggro acts, an expansion maybe? This easier to find, domestic release adds 2 new mixes and new art from the older Euro release on Funker Vogt's Repo Records. It shouldn't cost stupid money any more either! I'd describe it as pop music without guitars or unbearable MTV dance beats. The production is also top-notch. - Tsanger Banger, Temple of Horror Zine
First released several years ago and now available in North America through Van Richter Records, this album delivers completely modern synthpop with a few nods towards techno and trance. Think of classic Apoptygma Berzerk or especially Covenant, then dial down some of the melancholy gothic posing, and you get the idea. "Loud and Clear" starts things with a hint of distortion but then segues into a melodic trance-inspired pop number that isn't afraid to be pretty. "Welcome to the World" is more minimalist and spaced out, the vocals spoken over an understated warble before kicking into a gorgeous hook on the chorus, and "Survive" is a perfectly paced dance floor number full of intense vocals and slick, cutting trance sequences. Though there's nothing dated about what Underwater Pilots do, they're definitely influenced by the classics, and they do occasionally let that show, as on the electro-flavored "I Will Fly," but things tend not to work out so well when the band goes too far into deliberate retro territory. This album's only real sour spot is "Ice Cream," an old-school breakbeat number full of cheesy vocoder effects that not only doesn't fit in with the rest of the album, but doesn't really have much going for it on its own, either, except for a sense of nostalgia. Much better are the forays into more modern electronic territory, as on the cold experimental synthesizers of "Why Can't It Be Simple," which, when paired with rather melancholy vocals, is like nothing so much as Some Great Reward-era Depeche Mode with Aphex Twin's Richard D. James standing in for Alan Wilder. Likewise, "My Darkness" sets world-weary vocals to a moody drum 'n' bass rhythm and rich analog choral synths for a track that combines the best of synthpop ballads and modern rhythm programming. Also hinting at the band's more experimental side is a bonus remix from avant-garde French project Mimetic that turns "Welcome to the World" from pulsing synthpop to choppy breakbeats. Also showing up are Italian gothic/industrial rockers Dope Stars, Inc., who provide a mix of "Loud and Clear" that's unexpectedly upbeat and cheery, even bringing in a guitar solo that, though reminiscent of '80s-era heavy metal, is nonetheless infectious. Catchy enough to be immediately accessible while bringing in just enough experimentation to keep things fresh, this album sees Underwater Pilots hitting that perfect sweet spot between club candy and innovation. - Matthew J., Grave Concerns Ezine
This german duo includes Manuel G. Richter and Gregoire Vanoli combining their nice mix of electro-pop and trance styles to create their own unique sound. This album was originally released in 2004 in germany and was picked up by Van Richter for their US release in 2008. This disc includes eleven smooth electronic tracks plus a couple of remixes.
It kicks off in style with the solid dance-friendly piece "Loud and Clear". This has easily become a favorite of mine from the first time I listened to the album. It has some excellent electronics and a moving beat that keeps the body moving on the dance floor, all mixed with some solid, melodic vocals. We're graced with more trance styles as the album moves on with "Welcome to the World" and the spoken word verses and sung chorus. There are more dance-friendly pieces that electro-pop fans should enjoy like "I Will Fly". This is another favorite with these electro-pop elements that bring various styles to mind from 80's synthpop, trance and new wave for a nice mix. Later on we do have a hard-hitting trance piece "Survive" that still mixes in a bit of electro-pop and minimal melodic vocals for a nice accessible piece which keeps the music flowing and moving.
For the average fan, these first few pieces mentioned will probably be the highlights for this album. However, I think it's worth mentioning some of the trance-laiden ambient pieces as well as a few other treats. After the first couple of moving tracks, "I Prepare" brings out some haunting, ambient sounds for something a bit different than expected. This smoothly flows into the downtempo vocal piece "Leaving Home" which even with the slow pace, still has some subtle ambient trance elements swooshing through the background. As the album moves along, towards the end we hit a few more of these dreamier pieces that though they wander a bit here and there are still quite enjoyable depending on the listener's personal tastes, but makes for a nice variety. The only drawback with some of these styles is when the heavy breakbeats kick in, or over-the-top electronic tweaks and twists such as are present on "My Darkness", but luckily it's more of the exception than the norm on this disc.
Before finalizing this review, there are a couple of stellar pieces that need to be mentioned. First is the fun electro-clash piece "Ice Cream" with the analog synths, various vocal samples about ice cream and just a fun and catchy groove. And finally, the "Tranquil Remix" of "Loud and Clear" is excellent. They took this driving electro-pop piece and converted into a rock anthem with heavy guitars and crashing cymbals through the intro and chorus arrangements. I was already extremely impressed with the original version, but this remix just blew me away when I heard it, very well done and a nice way to wrap up the album, just skip the "Mimetic Mix" of "Welcome to the World" and end on a positive note. - Jacob Bogedahl, GothicParadise Ezine
Tranquil Places is the debut release for the German duo of Manuel G. Richter and Gregoire Vanoli, released in Europe in 2004, but now available in the U.S. on Van Richter Records. For being four years old, this is a quality synthpop release, with a few other musical influences to add some pizazz.The album starts out with its two strongest tracks, "Loud and Clear" and "Welcome to the World", both catchy tracks, almost making this album a must buy for these tracks alone. "Loud and Clear" has a strong, consistent beat, which, coupled with the vocals, makes this a memorable song. "Welcome to the World" is both more up-tempo, and at the same time, down tempo, vocally, giving it a futurepop kind of sound. Both songs will get stuck in your head.At times, the album sounds somewhat like Seabound or Depeche Mode, especially on "Leaving Home", where it seems like a fusion of the two, but in general, Underwater Pilots avoids sounding too much like other contemporary bands. There are also some treats on this album, like the quirky "Ice Cream", a strange song, which proves that this duo has a bit of a sense of humor, albeit a bit kinky. There's also a drum-n-bass infused track towards the end of the album called "My Darkness".The album finishes with two remixes, one of "Loud and Clear" by Dope Stars Inc. and one of "Welcome to the World" by Mimetic. The first remix definitely adds a more standard guitar/bass/drums sound that makes the remix interesting. The Mimetic remix is very IDM, which, while different from the original song, isn't as good.For an album that is already four years old, this album still sounds fresh. Tranquil Places, as a whole, is a great listen and has enough diversity in it to distinguish it from the sea of acts out there. I would definitely recommend picking up this album - you won't regret it. - Legion, This is Corrosion Ezine
The Finest in Synth Pop.This in the first release by the Underwater Pilots duo due to become a timeless classic. The Band's electronic songs are well crafted with catchy hooks that stay with you long after the record is over. A great remix as well by Dope Stars Inc. Underwater Pilots will appeal to fans of Depeche Mode, VNV Nation and Wolfsheim. Also check out their cover of Ministry's "Everyday is Halloween" on the V/A Hellfire Compilation. Itunes

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