Morpheus Music
IsraTrance Full Member
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Posted : May 22, 2009 13:42:45
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STYLE
Synthetic ambient and meditative chill. Living At A Higher Frequency is a delicate collection of instrumental tracks that range from subtle ambient groove, through drifting downtempo into light dance inspired electronica. Most tracks are built around intriguingly airy programmed beats that edge somewhat toward glitch at times with percussive structures that combine sequential tones and inventive electro-hits. The rhythms are generally restful and serene and woven densely into the music. The melodic forms on the album are understated affairs, yet often these are quite, quite beautiful and inspiring. There is a sparse oriental elegance to much of the music, a poetic restraint and sense of wonder with effective use of sonic texturing, and fragile pads and washes. Far Eastern sounds sometimes arise among the electronic cleanliness with a slightly haunting effect (I'm reminded a little of some of the sounds used on Japan's Tin Drum album). Very contemporary and cinematic yet with just enough of that appealing timelessness that helps a recording to endure.
MOOD
The mood of this double disc album varies across a range of gentle and quiet downbeat emotions. Some pieces have a warm soporific effect, lulling and inviting with hypnotic, morphing repetitions rolling in in tranquil waves. There are some introspective and cerebral passages where the rhythmic forms drive a little harder, and the patterns take on a more crystalline shape.
ARTWORK
Living At A Higher Frequency arrives in a tight digipack with the twin discs neatly folded against one another on two of three panels. The outside of the package panoramas out into a triple spread where the dominant colour is that of the broad white borders - letter-boxed in the centre of each panel is a set of four small images that juxtapose blooms and foliage against the cables, dials and sockets of recording equipment. The back panel presents the tracklist and website details. The inner section has one panel to the left of the CDs themselves where credits and a gear list are laid out as well as a thankyou, a dedication and contact info.
OVERALL
US artist Julio Di Benedetto releases his debut Living At A Higher Frequency as a double album of works recorded over the five year period 2001 to 2006. The twenty two tracks of the album are laid out in chronological order as recorded beginning with the earliest. Disc one and disc two both open with a series of ambient recordings that are followed by more dynamic material on the latter halves of the discs, The music deals with some very personal matters and draws on a range of inspirational sources such as Zen poetry and Tibetan literature. Julio's blog provides a wealth of background and supporting information for anyone wanting to learn more about the music and the official website contains samples and purchasing links.
WHO WILL LIKE THIS ALBUM
This is a surprisingly high quality release of tastefully melodic ambient beauty. You might well enjoy this album if you are a fan of French label Ultimae - the clear synth work being sufficiently engaging to listen to on headphones whilst also making for a rather blissful sonic backdrop.
  MORPHEUS MUSIC
www.morpheusmusic.co.uk
ELECTRONIC MUSIC MALL
http://www.electronicmusicmall.com |
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