Frank Van Bogaert :

NOMADS

This must be Frank’s mile stone to this date. He worked 2 years on this album and the sonic richness is second to none. Here we have a man that not only makes the music, he feels it, breaths it, lives it.
An impressive statement that will stand the test of time. Come and listen to it your self. This might be the best thing that will happen to you in 2006.

Dit is tot nu toe Frank’s mijlpaal. Hij werkte 2 jaar aan dit album en de klankrijkdom is als nooit tevoren. Hier is een man die niet alleen muziek maakt maar het ook voelt, ademd, het beleefd. Een muzikaal testament dat de tand destijds zal doorstaan. Kom en luister zelf. Dit zou wel eens het beste kunnen zijn wat je in 2006 meemaakt.

Ron Boots
Groove Unlimited (Specializing in Electronic Music)

Belgian composer, keyboard player, producer and sound engineer Frank Van Bogaert is a masterful creator of warm, sensitive, romantic, symphonic and hypnotizing electronic music.
“Nomads”, his sixth album (if you don’t count “One out of Five”, the best of album) must be Frank’s mile stone to this date. He worked 2 years on this album and the sonic richness is second to none. Sound design is an important part in Frank’s music. Every sound on “Nomads” is thought of carefully and recorded in the best possible way. “The making of this album proved to be more challenging than any previous release I’ve done…”, Frank says in the sleeve notes.
Indeed, “Nomads” has become an impressive musical journey taking the listener to different but well-defined places. Pablo Magne, designer of the sleeve artwork felt very inspired by Frank’s music, which is showcased, in the beautiful 12-page booklet.
From the symphonic “Crack The Blue Sky”, “Nomads”, “Ritual”, “Aquatopia” and “Mont Blanc” (perhaps the best two tracks on the CD in which Frank shows his skills on the piano), the slightly jazzy “Furious Jam”, the rhythmic “High” and “Drive”, the soft “Blue Down There” to the closing ambient track “Beneath The Ice” with an intense atmosphere, every piece on this album has its own special story, sound and image.
It has been said and written before: Frank’s music stands out of the crowd. On “Nomads” he has surpassed everything he has done so far. This album is Frank’s masterpiece and puts him once more on top of the contemporary electronic music scene.

Paul Rijkens,iOPages

Fresh on the heels of his greatest hits collection is a CD of all-new material by Frank Van Bogaert fresh from his studio in Belgium.

Majestic melodies are again on full display in tracks like “Crack The Blue Sky” already seemingly destined for a position on the next retrospective CD. A haunting wind begins the title track before dramatic symphonic sounds take over. Once again Van Bogaert shows he is unparalleled in building intricate pieces that weave symphony and synthesizer into one. His musicianship particularly shines on “Aquatopia”, with beautiful piano playing amidst dark synth textures, much like Patrick O’Hearn but clearly Van Bogaert’s own, particularly as it builds toward the end.
“High” is a wonderful showcase of the breadth of his talent, from the quiet atmospheric beginning to one of my favorite bits of sequencing ever, a cool percussion loop. This is followed by an impressive array of beautifully layered sounds and themes, all done in under five minutes; a marvelously intricate yet accessible piece.
“Mont Blanc” is a cool subdued moody number, as is “Blue Down There”.
Between the two is the catchiest tune of all, the radio-friendly “Drive”.

And if the music weren’t enough, special mention absolutely must be made of the fantastic booklet with breathtaking photos and digital artwork by the incomparable Pablo Magne. Nomads is a complete package.

2007. Phil Derby / Electroambient Space

It’s not easy not to be moved while listening to Nomads. The opening sounds bring the listener to unexplored areas which in their grandness confront us with our own futility. The overture sounds so universally that it’s hard to believe the composer is Belgian and an inhabitant of one of the smallest fields of language in the world. Is it the collaboration with Pablo Magne, The Argentine artist who created such marvellous artwork that it makes you long for the old LP-age, that helps Frank to succeed in catching the world in a small jewel case?
I don’t know, but it is a fact that this very mature sounding music has no boundaries. Is it a coincidence that the track ‘Nomads’ sounds a bit Arabic? Probably not. The title of this album is very well chosen by the way en fits perfectly with the 12 track global journey. We get a good variety of rhythms, but always there’s this certain grandeur, perfectly illustrated by the magnificent photography by Pablo Magne.
The rhythm totally fades away in the beautiful ‘Mont Blanc’ as if Frank were afraid to catch this masterpiece of nature in his music.
How sharp the contrast with the racing car in ‘Drive’ that pulls you back into every day reality, the rhythm of the ever ticking clock struggling with the urge to escape the rat race of modern life. This is so fun about this music: it opens your mind and invites you to travel and fantasize…
Critics will say they often hear the sound of Vangelis in this album and that is true. But is this a point of critic or a mere compliment for an artist who stands so close to the grandmaster of electronic music that one can hardly hear the difference?

Luc Descamps,Prog-nose

A growling start to 'Overture' is softened through the use of orchestral pads. It is an excellent beginning but didn't prepare me for the explosive energy that was to come! Huge rolling, tremendously exciting rhythms enter like some great giant using the very Earth as a drum. Euphoric massed pads swell to join with the rhythmic powerhouse, reaching a climax then slowly descending to calm. Wow what an opener! Things are initially calmer for 'Crack the Blue Sky' but it isn't long before an excellent melodic sequence strikes up and then more of the same style of drumming found on the previous track. A stunning melody belts forth and we are now in warp drive. Just two tracks in and it becomes evident that this is going to be one hell of an album. From a rather atmospheric beginning the title track bursts into life with a Vangelis style anthemic lead line.
'Furious Jam' actually begins with a rather analogue sounding sequence accompanied by chugging rhythm which quickly develops and really starts to kick. Amazingly we then get a Hammond organ type lead line. All these elements go together to create a rather late 70s feel. Less than two minutes in and the sequence really starts to let rip, new leads flash over the top and the drums gain even more power. It's just impossible to keep still. I found myself alternating between air keyboard and air drums whilst my legs were moving so much they almost knocked over the table! Yet another brilliant track! 'Aquatopia' sets a suitably watery scene. Gentle percussion mixes with subtle piano, all going together to create one of the more restrained tracks on the album, providing a beautiful setting in which to catch our breath after the proceeding maelstrom. 'High' picks up the pace once more as an infectious groove mixes with a lovely sublime melody that will stay in your head for many a day. Overall it had something of a Celtic feel. All rather rousing stuff.
Gentle winds blow over 'Mont Blanc'. Delicate piano brings up images of a soft snowfall. It's all rather moody in a gorgeous sort of way. There is a rather simple yet superbly crafted feel to it all. 'Drive' is well named, as it's ideal for putting your foot to the metal and hurtling down the motorway. A rapid bass pulse underpins it all whilst various different leads riff away in the foreground. 'Blue Down There' is initially all rather dark, like Ocean depths. It does lighten as it progresses but remains pleasantly atmospheric throughout. 'Ritual' starts with images and samples of some hot African (maybe) landscape. Cool syncopations pick up the pace. A slow sequence ambles forward but it's the dreamy melodies that have the main impact. 'Heat' has a gradual build up demonstrating a sort of determination and positive vibe. Appropriately 'Beneath the Ice' has a rather crystalline feel to it. It's all so serene and peaceful.
This is a wonderful CD with the perfect combination of storming power and beauty. Frank is a true talent and I recommend this album highly.

(c) David Law, Synth Music Direct, UK

Frank Van Bogaert's "Nomads" is most definitely his best, but all of his have been his best. Now this is what it's about. I can listen to "Nomads" for hours at a time.

flyingman / WAWL Chattanooga State / USA

After the opener “Ouverture” a magnificent sound world is unveiled. Frank takes us on an imaginary voyage through wonderful sounds and image evoking music. These images will be different to every listener but by looking at the beautiful pictures of Pablo Magne in the accompanying booklet our thoughts are pushed into a certain direction. In the same way the track names already reveal a bit of the secrets.
“Nomads” itself has a rather Eastern feel, “Drive” a more down to Earth feel, while “Mont Blanc” immerses us in a fragile and peaceful atmosphere.

One could be so blunt to file this album under electronic or new age, but to me there’s but one description, it’s Art with a big capital A !

2007. Carl Coppieters / Stage Magazine / Belgium

2007. Bill Binkelman / New Age Reporter

Nomads is the latest release from Belgian composer and synthesist Frank Van Bogaert.
Van Bogaert is one of the leading artists working in the symphonic electronica style pioneered by the likes of Vangelis and Jean-Michelle Jarre. Van Bogaert is carving out his own territory, though, using his own unique palette of synth orchestral sounds and effects. Previously, we’ve reviewed Van Bogaert’s One out of Five, a compilation that is a great introduction to his style.
Nomads is themed around the idea that we are travellers, not just from one place to another, but from one world to another. The music is often expansive and grand, but also features sections of real subtlety, suggesting that Van Bogaert could easily make the move to soundtracks.
The CD makes clear that Van Bogaert is a skillful orchestrator of electronic sounds; he creates powerful symphonic textures with an electronic palette that ranges from imitative samples to classic synth sounds to creative sound synthesis. He also carries over instrumentation from one track to another, giving the music the feel that it is performed by a virtual orchestra.

Nomads starts off with a great track, Overture, a symphonic electronica anthem, combining a variety of orchestral percussion, synth strings and synth horns.
One of the highlights of the CD is Furious Jam, a sequencer-driven synthfest. The track combines the improvisation of prog with the huge electronic soundscapes of classic synth music. Van Bogaert layers sequences with huge acoustic percussion effects & live drums. The track is full of tasty keyboard work, jumping rapidly from one lead voice to another.
Aquatopia seems to take its inspiration from Vangelis’ Oceanic, combining surf sounds, sequenced orchestral instruments and a wordless chorus. The track starts very quietly and builds to a rousing choral climax.
Another nice track is Mont Blanc. It starts with ambient drone effects, and then builds slowly, introducing a melody on piano. Bogaert takes his time developing this, adding synth strings, wordless vocals and other effects to bring the piece to a peak before returning to the ambient effects at the end.
A truly gorgeous track is Blue Down There. On this track, Van Bogaert cuts loose his synth chops and creates a soundscape that evokes the weightlessness and strange beauty of space. He weaves samples of astronauts being interviewed in space by earth-bound children, to beautiful and moving effect. Subtlety reigns on the track, from the wonderful selection of spoken word texts to the slowly evolving synth orchestration. It’s a great track on its own, but it also brings to mind classic 70’s space music.
The last track, Beneath The Ice, is another really evocative track. It’s essentially a drone-based piece, with deep bass sounds, washes of synth strings, bell-like keyboards and drifting noise effects. It establishes a lovely, haunting mood that leaves you wanting more.

Frank Van Bogaert’s Nomads is a great collection of symphonic electronica. It explores a wide range of moods and textures, ranging from the grand and bombastic to subtle, reflective soundscapes. We’ve only heard two of Bogaert’s releases - Nomads & his greatest hits collection - but based on these, it’s clear that Van Bogaert is not just standing on the shoulders of the first generation of synth music giants, but he’s becoming one of the current leading artists in the genre.

2007. Synthtopia

2007. Artemi Pugachov / Russia

Nomads is Belgian sound designer Frank Van Bogaert's sixth solo release, perhaps his best and certainly the one he worked on longest. Featuring twelve original compositions performed entirely by himself in his studio just outside Antwerp, Belgium, it took Bogaert nearly two years to finish these recordings. The careful attention to detail shows, as you might expect from a professional engineer.
While Bogaert started out in the 1980's as a keyboard player for a Belgian synthesizer band, most of his professional life has been spent behind the boards, recording, mixing, and mastering primarily for theater and television. After 10 years of recording for others, though, Bogaert decided to start recording for himself, resulting in his 1998 debut, Colors, a world beat album similar in style to Deep Forest and Enigma, a style that was most completely developed one year later with the release of Geographic.
That 1999 album won three German Schwingungen awards for best album, best song and best artist in 2000.
Since then Bogaert has released four additional albums, though none sounding quite like those first two. Still focusing on the melodic, Bogaert dropped many of the ethnic influences and began recording more open, spacious music built around the synthesizer, music that has led some to compare him to a 21st century Vangelis or Jean Michel Jarre.
His latest release, Nomads, bears out such comparisons. Many of the compositions are built around melodies played on the keyboard, backed with synthetic orchestras and often spiced with sound effects, like the rolling waves in Aquatopia, or the synthetic chorus in Mont Blanc. At times Bogaert might also remind you of Pink Floyd or the Alan Parsons Project. One song in particular, Drive, borrows and blends from these two icons of 70's synthesizer pop-rock.
60 minutes of inspired music from one of Europe's major contemporary electronic composers, Nomads is a collection of recordings worth a dedicated listen.

2007. Shri Durga / USA