The man behind Create is Englishman Stephen Humphries. His debut-cd "Reflections From The Inner Light" was dedicated to the Berlin School and that is just what is also happening on "From Earth To Mars".Striking in Humphries’ music is the fact that he doesn’t make use of instruments like Mellotrons and analogue synthesizers but that he creates everything with the aid of the software program "Reason". The difference can not be heard. When he plays live, he uses (lots) of hardware synths though. This of course also makes a more interesting show. "From Earth To Mars" is an oasis of sequences, fat analogue synth solos and pads, effects, space-atmospheres and gentle electronic rhythms that -in case of sound- has references to the big EM-names. Especially old Neuronium and Robert Schroeder come in mind. Sequences play an important part in Steve’s music. It immediately starts with a wonderful pattern in "Light Bank". This is continued in excellent epic tracks like "Earth To Mars" and "Solar Flare". The music is long-stretched with a lot of emphasis on details. "Goodbye" is a tribute to Michael Garrison, the EM-pioneer who sadly died a short while ago. This track shows another side of Steve with more warmth and melody. It reflects the many creative sides of Create. With or without "real" synthesizers; it doesn't matter. Create makes good music and that is what counts! Press Information Received this album recently. I overall like this album. It seems that Steve Humphies is one of the most experienced "Reason" users around. So many different sounds within 1 program. It also sounds very analogue and real concerning the used equipment. As some of you know, I am not fond of software-synthesizers because I always have the feeling that I miss something. I regard it mostly as "a sound without balls". But not with this record. Some songs have to busy arrangements for my liking, but the ideas are very strong and well thought. It doesn't remind of older "famous" work of other artists because the work has a strong original point of view of Steve on electronic music. The absolute highlight for me on this album is the tribute song to Michael Garrison: "Goodbye". René van der Wouden Steve Humphries is back with his follow up to his strong debut Reflections From The Inner Light. Once again he has created a disc rife with classic space and retro sounds, presented in a fresh way, sure to please most discriminating e-music fans. "Light Bank" builds and builds in a thoroughly enjoyable manner, a terrific track to start things out. Though the sounds are familiar and again pay homage to his favorite band AirSculpture, the arrangements are invigorating and exciting. Even better is the exquisite title track. A steady thumping beat and synths find a cool groove and run with it for nearly 20 minutes. I think of AirSculpture’s excellent first album Impossible Geometries when I hear this one. The great music continues with "Gethsemane", another energizer sure to get your brain tripping out to the hypnotic sequencing and your toes tapping to the infectious rhythms. Continuing on to "Solar Flare", Steve relentlessly keeps the energy and the fun going. Once it picks up speed this one is almost dance-floor ready, though still firmly rooted in Teutonic origins. "Re-Entry" has a steady rhythm as well, and is full of great synth sounds. No synth oboes or guitars, just 100% pure electronic bliss. "Goodbye" is a soft, tasteful tribute to the late Michael Garrison, a beautiful gently layered piece to close things out. From Earth To Mars is excellent from start to finish. Phil Derby / Electroambient Space