Album Review: Tangerine Dream - 50 Years of Phaedra - At The Barbican (2026, Kscope)
- Stuart Ball
- 7 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Written: 24th January 2026
After releasing their first four albums, Tangerine Dream had built somewhat of a cult following but it was signing to Virgin Records and the release of Phaedra in 1974 that brought them to a much wider audience. Using the Moog sequencer for the first time, Tangerine Dream – which then comprised of Edgar Froese, Christopher Franke and Peter Baumann – crafted an album that in many ways is the most significant album of the band’s career and one that, even now, is considered a classic in the field of electronic music. To celebrate fifty years since the album's release, Tangerine Dream -  now consisting of Thorsten Quaeschning, Hoshiko Yamane, and Paul Frick – returned to the Barbican in London to revisit an album that fans hold dear to their hearts.
The concert begins with Side Two of Phaedra played in reverse order - the ambient, ethereal drone of Sequent C’ setting the scene in an eerily, beguiling manner. Without doubt, Tangerine Dream’s modern line-up are a different entity to that of fifty years ago but Hoshiko Yamane’s violin has added a distinctive, evocative layer to their performances, as shown by the hypnotic opening of Movements of a Visionary. As the track evolves and pulsating rhythms begin, we are encapsulated in swirling sequences. The trio certainly achieve the delicate balance between being faithful to the original album, making use of modern technology and adding their own personal touches to such well know material. Mysterious Semblance at the Strand of Nightmares, one of Tangerine Dream’s most haunting and introspective pieces, creates a surreal journey through a dreamlike landscape. The sense of fragile beauty and cosmic isolation is fully explored and it is impossible not to allow yourself to becoming fully immersed.
In Greek mythology, Hippolytus was the stepson of Phaedra (a Cretan princess) for whom she develops a forbidden love, and then leads to devastating consequences for her and her family. Following the first three tracks, the band allow their improvisation and experimentation full rein in the forty-five minute eight-part Hippolytos Session, which also contains a six-minute section of the Phaedra title track, here entitled Phaedra 2024. Moving through expansive layered soundscapes that bring other albums from the 1970s to mind, the trio shift effortlessly from the drifting openness of Pt.1 to the mesmerising, rhythmic surge of Pt. 6. It is music that invites you with headphones on to sink in and let every texture and rhythm wash over you in the best possible way - a deep absorbing experience rather than something to fade into the background. The six-minute Phaedra 2024Â features one of the most compelling and recognisable sections of track with sequencers and mellotron in playful battle, showing the composition has lost none of its magic.
Following the conclusion of this epic sequence, Thorsten Quaeschning takes a moment to speak with the audience, expressing his pride of being able to continue the legacy of Tangerine Dream, something that Edgar Froese gave his full blessing for. The other members of the band are also given a rapturous reception, demonstrating the crowd’s faith in them to join Quaeschning on his journey.
From here, we are then treated to a lively and upbeat Happy Ending (sic), taking us into the world of Grand Theft Auto V, which is revisited later with the brooding Los Santos City Map. The theme from Sorcerer is always a delight to hear and it remains one of my favourite Tangerine Dream soundtracks.
The band’s most recent album Raum (released in 2022) is well represented with four tracks: You Are Always On Time, Continuum, Portico and Raum itself. These tracks were originally composed and produced with full access to Edgar Froese’s Cubase arrangements as well as the Otari Tape Archive which featured recordings from 1977-2013. Each of them has their own character: You Are Always On Time’s tense and contemplative nature offers something completely different to the shimmering, intricate synth interplay of Portico. These modern compositions work so well because they honour Tangerine Dream’s classic sound while introducing fresh ideas to create music that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking.
Elsewhere, Dolphin Dance – from the underrated Underwater Sunlight – brings an energetic vibe to proceedings, while the poignant cadence of White Eagle brings one of the most enthusiastic responses from the audience throughout the entire second half. A surprise but welcome inclusion is Rare Bird – which originally formed part of Tangent on the Poland album. As a fan of Jean Michel-Jarre as well as Tangerine Dream, this is the one track that reminds me most of the Frenchman’s enigmatic music.
As an encore, the trio return to Phaedra, leaving us with another tantalising reminder of why the album has remained so revered over five decades. With Thorsten Quaeschning’s closing words, he thanks those in attendance for their continued support of the band, their love of playing in London and a thank you to Edgar Froese for making this all possible in the first place.
50 Years Of Phaedra - At The Barbican confirms that Tangerine Dream’s current incarnation can reinterpret their most cherished work with imagination and integrity; those who distanced themselves from the band after Edgar Froese’s passing have overlooked a chapter that is both vital and compelling. The present incarnation of the group demonstrates an unwavering commitment to preserving the essence of what Froese envisioned, while continuing to explore new sonic territories with confidence and imagination. Their work today may diverge from the contours of what many deem the canonical era, yet it possesses a distinctive resonance and intellectual depth that rewards attentive listening. With the prospect of another studio release emerging this year, the question of where they will journey next becomes an intriguing one. This ensemble has shown that legacy does not have to be static but can be shaped by curiosity, innovation, and respect for the foundations upon which it stands.
50 Years of Phaedra - At The Barbican is released on 30th January 2026
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