VIETGROVE - GREEN HINGE (RAO 002) MC 40mSome of you may remember Vietgrove as a duo at an Electronica in Stafford many years back. Since then Vietgrove has become Norman Fay on his own and the music has developed considerably. Forgetting all attempts to be trendy or emulate anyone else, Vietgrove music has become a self-styled blend of his influences, drawing on the atypical Teutonic synth-sequencer music, combining a thoughtful balance of melody and atmosphere - avoiding the bane of much modern synth music: the drum machine. Obviously one could draw references to Vietgrove: Michael Hoenig, Software, Neuronium, Rolf Trostel, and of course Tangerine Dream (notably ENCORE to EXIT era more atmospheric styles) amongst many others, yet the fundamental difference is Norman's restraint, avoiding the desire to break-out, it comes over really strong with an identity and feel throughout of unfolding mysterious beauty. Such a music is a rare balance that few people achieve, placing Vietgrove's GREEN HINGE as one of the finest synth tapes of 1991. review by Alan Freeman (Audion #22. July 1992)