In late summer 2014, Edgar Froese, Thorsten Quaeschning, Ulrich Schnauss and Hoshiko Yamane began to work on what was planned to be the first album of Tangerine Dream’s Quantum Years – a new phase of the band that Edgar wanted to use to introduce a couple of substantial changes.
Consisting of himself, long term collaborator Thorsten Quaeschning (synths & musical director), violinist Hoshiko Yamane and new member Ulrich Schnauss (synths), the Quantum Years promised an updated, contemporary take on the band’s trademark sound of the 70s and 80s: sequencer-driven electronica covering a wide range of moods and atmospheres from ambient soundscapes to energetic, upbeat moments. Non-musical ideas relating to the field of quantum physics and philosophy had inspired Edgar to attempt a translation of these concepts into music.
Very sadly however Edgar passed away in early 2015 – requesting that his wife, visual artist and TD's manager for the last 15 years, Bianca Froese-Acquaye would ensure that his vision for the Quantum Years would still be realized. Throughout the last two years Quaeschning, Schnauss and Yamane therefore worked hard on achieving a result that would match Edgar's expectations – as well as the ones of TD's loyal fanbase. The compositions appearing on the album are not only based on theoretical concepts and ideas Edgar had outlined, but also on a large number of actual musical sketches that he luckily had already prepared during the initial phase of the band’s reformation process. Therefore, Quantum Gate is just as much a new beginning as it is a testament to Edgar’s never-withering inspiration and ever-flowing creativity.
'Ultimately this release proves that it was the right decision for TANGERINE DREAM to continue and somewhere at a different cosmic address, Edgar Froese will be looking down, safe in the knowledge that his musical legacy is being carefully protected.'
– The Electricity Club
'It is a fitting tribute to Edgar Froese’s vision for Tangerine Dream whilst ensuring the band can move on and forwards with its founders aims and desires at the forefront.'
– Prog Radar
'Quantum Gate is an impressive celebration of both past and future.'
– Louder SounD
TRACKLIST VINYL
A 01. Sensing Elements
A 02. Roll The Seven Twice
B 01. Identity Proven Matrix
B 02. Tear Down The Grey Skies
B 03. Proton Bonfire
C 01. It Is Time To Leave When Everyone Is Dancing
C 02. Non-Locality Destination
D 01. Genesis Of Precious Thoughts
D 02. Granular Blankets