«Portuguese musician José Paulo Andrade is a former member of 80's urban folk band Ocaso Épico, known for its mindblowing performances at the extinct lisbon venue Rock Rendez Vous (RRV). He also played guitar in a rock band called V12. Ocaso Épico released one album - 'Muito Obrigado' - in 1988 and was ready to record its second one some years later when band leader and menthor Farinha Master died unexpectedly, putting a premature end to the project. The remaining members scattered and José begins learning and exploring new tools, mainly software based ones.
'5 Dimensões EP' is the result of his 3 year evolution journey as Gamma Ray Blast, in which he gathered influences from the 90's so-called 'ambient' precursors, such as Kruder & Dorfmeister, Thievery Corporation and Badmarsh, among others, all wrapped up under a genuine Sci-Fi feel. Gamma Ray Blast operates on a lush and soothing beat base, very melodical, mixed with oriental and traditional portuguese elements, such as sitar, portuguese guitar (mainly used in the Fado genre), flutes and percussion.
Then we get to the third piece, called 'Paredes' which is a humble homage to the late Carlos Paredes, a true genius of the Portuguese Guitar. It contains a couple of samples from his work, like the song 'Verdes Anos' one of his most known ones. Fourth track 'Grândola' is another homage, but this one is dedicated to the April 25th political revolution that freed Portuguese people from the dictatorship regime, back in 1974, where we can hear Zeca Afonso sing the words of the first song to be played on the (at last) censorship-liberated radio, 'Grândola Vila Morena'. Musically, these two songs show the strenght of their dramatic and political meaning, but also the smoothness of lounge electronic music.
Last track is an original from Ocaso Épico/Farinha Master, reworked, called 'Adamastor'.
Everything is in its right place, making this EP a joy for the senses. Two thumbs up.» - Pedro Leitão

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