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Solar Fields - Movements
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deejay.tb
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
39
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102
Posted : Feb 21, 2009 09:40
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LumaDaylight
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
48
Posts :
202
Posted : Feb 23, 2009 05:06
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overall, its a masterpeice...i find myself listening to discovering the most..really similar to CBL's proton/electron |
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Dr Cisma
Started Topics :
1
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105
Posted : Feb 23, 2009 14:56
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I like the way he play!!! |
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Pypedream
IsraTrance Junior Member
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45
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245
Posted : Mar 3, 2009 22:16
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It's too good.
As an aspiring producer I am left to ponder the magical way in which Magnus introduces his ideas.
This album is an absolute clinic in the use of dynamics, reverb, and of course padscapes.
Also, the production quality and mastering seem the best I have heard on an Ultimae release. Would like to know what Mr. Huby Sea and Magnus were using to achieve such pleasing qualities. I listened on a pair of Ultrasone 550's first and almost got queasy from being transported directly into the music - I felt like I was 'in' the music. And Mackie HR624's - again even with compromised room acoustics the sounds are well balanced - never did anything seem out of place.
For me, nothing has surpassed Shulman's 'In Search of a Meaningful Moment'..... Until now.
 ELECTRON EYES / MARK-EVAN (NOR. CAL)
WWW.SOUNDCLOUD.COM/MARK-EVAN |
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Tasos_NOtrea
IsraTrance Junior Member
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40
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1395
Posted : Mar 4, 2009 19:36
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full_on
IsraTrance Team
Started Topics :
279
Posts :
5475
Posted : Mar 4, 2009 19:48
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Quote:
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On 2009-03-03 22:16, Pypedream wrote:
For me, nothing has surpassed Shulman's 'In Search of a Meaningful Moment'..... Until now.
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That's quite a bold statement, but I agree it is almost truth. 
This is another masterpiece from Magnus.
Just keep it up!
Respect!
.
...Be gentle with the earth...
...Dance like nobody's watching...
.
...I don't mind not going to Heaven, as long as they've got Coffee in Hell... |
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bluespectralmonkey
IsraTrance Full Member
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80
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1336
Posted : Mar 7, 2009 11:41
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aje
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
99
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1145
Posted : Apr 1, 2009 13:38
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Do you know the kind of woman that looks beautiful one day, and then you see her a week later and she seems to have lost all her magic? Or even worse, you look at her from one angle and she appears spectacular, but from another angle she is average at best? As all Seinfeld watchers know, this phenomenon is called the “Two-Face”. Solar Fields new album Movements was the music equivalent of the “Two-Face” to me. One day I loved it, the next it just seemed trite and boring, and for a long time I really didn’t know why. Then I treated myself a to an expensive-as-fuck new Bose sound system a few days ago. It was while playing the album on that new system that Movements finally cast its magic spell upon me and I understood why it is such a “Two-Face”.
With bad speakers, Movements just doesn’t work. The melodies themselves are not exceptionally breathtaking, the soundscapes or sound selection or whatever you want to call it isn’t exceptionally original, and there is nothing that grabs your attention over any other ambient release. That, however, changes completely when you run it through a good sound system, and I really mean sound system, not just good headphones. All of a sudden the formerly mediocre soundscapes take on an ethereal kind of plasticity; they hover in the room like a lucent mist. From below the warm yet firm bass carries the tracks on a velvet cushion, almost invisible, but still very present. And in those surroundings, the once bland melodies take on a completely new life, trite becomes emotional and cheesy becomes beautiful. At its best, when all elements come together, the effect is nothing less than mind blowing, for example at the end of Sol (T1) when the lady starts to sing or after the break of The Road to Nothingness (T10).
That being said, the flow of this album is totally off. With ambient albums much more so than with dance albums the flow is essential, because I for one listen to them usually in one sitting and in situations where I am not in the mood to get my fat ass off the couch. For the first 6 tracks, the journey is very uneven, highlights are intermixed with the two rather uneventful tracks Circles of Motion (T2) and Dust (T6) and the only real stinker The Stones are Not Too Busy (T5). Only at the end does Movements really find its flow, and that’s a shame. The victim of the weird programming is the powerful opener Sol, probably my favorite track here. It sits at the beginning like monolith when it should have been put into context as one of the centerpieces of the album.
Recomendation: With women, the cause for the “Two-Face” is usually the angle in which light hits the face of the unfortunate one. With Movements, the cause is the quality of the sound system. The better the speakers, the more it can unfold its beauty. Of course Movements isn’t the only album that sounds better on a good system, but here the difference really is more dramatic than on any other music I can think of. And that is only to Solar Fields’ credit, because the intricacies of the sound design are so subtle and sophisticated, it takes the right equipment to notice and appreciate. To be a straight A, Movements has a few too many average tracks (2,5 and 6) that really bother me in the context of the album, but the rest are all great to exceptional, so I can only recommend it to all who like their ambient deep and emotional.
Check out my album: http://www.ektoplazm.com/free-music/gay-satanic-hippie-tiefenrausch |
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Nathan
IsraTrance Senior Member
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301
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3605
Posted : Apr 4, 2009 23:22
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Bom*shankar
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
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512
Posted : Apr 5, 2009 09:43
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I've been trying to like it for 2 weeks now. it's nice, it's solar fields, but there's nothing new here and i have better solar fields albums.... |
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Jon Cocco
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
17
Posts :
18
Posted : Apr 22, 2009 07:20
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SOLAR FIELDS - MOVEMENTS
ULTIMAE RECORDS
2009
Track list:
1. Sol
2. Circles of Motion
3. Discovering stream
4. Sky Trees
5. The Stones are not too busy
6. Dust
7. Das Bungalow
8. Feelings (album edit)
9. Patterns
10. The Road to Nothingness
11. Breeze
Wow! It is about time we get something powerful and quite possibly bar raising in the ambient, downtempo genre(s). Solar Fields up'd the ante and quite a bit with Movements. What unfolds is an album that will likely be talked about for quite some time to come.
1. Sol is a slow and powerful, dreamlike-fantasy opening. The big opening sound around 0.29 is amazing, like a warm wave of euphoric energy splashing my consciousness. It's interesting to see Solar Fields implementing tasty psychedelic influence through sounds of crisp and crunchy wind/zip textures. The song is like a gorgeous adventure through light and space, as if legendary warriors have recently died and are crossing over into a Heaven gate. The song is very atmospheric, and in that sense visual; many listeners will likely form their own story. Whatever the vision or concept, the song has a western sort of influence beginning around halfway through. It never sounds cheesy. The overall song is dreamy and floating, ethereal. Trying to even classify or limit it to any specific environment would be taking away from the songs beauty as a whole. This is a superb opening and track. I am rarely this impressed. A
2. Circles of Motion is strong and mainly beat free ambient super number with few exceptions, the last third roughly beginning at 6:19 until near close. Not only are the layers high in count but flowing, elegant, and surreal. The sounds sooth the mind, nerves. The song begins with a beautiful dream of sound and gradually forms rhythms within supporting sounds, resulting in a swimming, hypnotic effect. As the song representing the dream fades away, the listener slowly awakens to consciousness, or rather another layer of the sub conscious mind. What's wonderful here is that the previous number set the bar pretty high. Often times when an opening number is as strong as Sol, I am disappointed with the following track. However Solar Field's have produced a completely distinct and wonderful follow up filled with heart. The final third is very important; it develops the ever-changing character, progressing the song out of any sense of repetition. There is also an epilogue that concludes this portion of life with peace. This is another beautiful track. A-
3. Discovering stream is an oceanic ambient wave moving through celestial space galaxies for the first three minutes. Soon accompanied by a mesmerizing beat and sound fusion. Guitar and/or violin and various other ethnic instrumentals arrive, increasing the atmospheric world of harmony, rhythm, and depth. A catchy and floating interlude arrives in the middle, the first of two. The song has one to two direction shifts that instigate a fluid evolution. The first is during the beat's welcome followed by the final third, the latter where the listener's senses are nearly overly loaded with a bursting, mesmerizing melody/sound fusion of transcending rhythm and joy. The overall song however, prior to these selected areas develops continuously. How it progresses is excellent. The interlude from 7:54 to 8:12 establish an mysterious sense of floating before a transcending leap to the stars around 8:58. There is an amazing build up from around 8:35 to 8:57. What takes place after this is hands down, one of the most wonderful parts in music that I have ever heard in my life. From 8:58 to 10:00 is a moment of magic so kinesthetic and uplifting, one must truly experience this evocative evolution for him or herself. The superb ending to this otherwise excellent number is like a gorgeous dragon transformed into a beautiful, spiritual and/or more aware, enlightened version of itself. This is a wonderful track with a stunning finish. A
4. Sky Trees has potential to be an album seller I imagine. I didn't perceive where it was going in its first two minutes. The song hums to unknown territory as a crisp droplet effect begins around 1:40. It isn't until the two minute mark that I begin hearing a wonderful tune surrounded in harmonious rhythm. This appears like it could be a influenced by a U2 song (See the people... *lyrics*) but without lyrics of course. Overall the number is filled with warmth and positivity throughout. I just can't help feeling that if another song/act didn't exist, neither would this potentially to some degree. Nonetheless, if I knew it was a clover and/or remix it would most certainly get a lower score. All theories aside, it's excellent. A-
5. The Stones Are Not Too Busy begins with a slow and gentle beat followed by an optimistic tune which develops into a world so to speak. Story-wise, I can't tell if a life has ended or some adventure has just begun. The music is stirring to the thinking mind however spiritual and pleasant; I feel determined and encouraged to accomplish something big. Yet at the same time I could enjoy this song sitting still, counting my breaths, just being. The beat picks up to a flute and the supportive layers around these elements elevate the song into greatness as a wonderful beat and tempo change shift the track into an even greater, delectable gear. This is an excellent approach in mixing, sound engineering. The song becomes more gripping as it progresses without climaxing or resorting to uptempo. The I.Q. raises, the mind becomes more intellectual and aware here as opposed to a track that bombards the senses with big special effects and sensation over substance. Yet the vehicle develops strong. I's carefully orchestrated; echoed effects are present around a far more involved and thoughtful creation. Areas where the beat picks up are worth noting, as well as a female, psychedelic sound that could be a subtle Goa and/or influenced tune. It's excellent, and arrests my attention. The sound grows wings, taking the journey even further in its final third with wonderful results. This is a track that gradually evolving to the point of nearly consistently topping itself from beginning to end! Wonderful work! A
6. Dust is a return to strong ambient, at least until around 2:05 where a slow ticking sound and beat emerges. The song is slow, oozing with emotion as it progresses into its second third. Past 3:30 however, the beat is removed where the song was more emotionally stirring. Ambient tones emerge and dissolve into a weightless, albeit mobile backdrop. The song's intriguing, however a bit dry in its final act and I'm not a big fan of the industrial, up-and-down wind sound that appears quite relevant here for some reason. This is a sound I'd imagine hearing more in a slow and melancholy, rare Nine Inch Nails ambient track like Warm Place rather than what I adore from Solar Fields. Nonetheless, the song is solid, though I find it the least arresting number here so far, past the middle third at least. The first two parts have a sad and hopeless and/or contemplative atmosphere that presents still life rather well, however sad in this approach. The song realistically adds emotional variety to the album by giving it a ray of sadness to an often bursting world of exploration, dreams come true and more. I would have enjoyed it more if the tone in its middle section lasted longer, as that's the best part and the conclusion here's a bit dry. Otherwise, this is an interesting, good, possibly great track. B+
7. Das Bungalow is another ambient influenced downtempo track. The beat and various other background elements are completely unique from previous tracks. The number takes off with an excellent downtempo, evolution at around 2:40. A short interlude is followed by a change up in beat, rhythm. It's great; the accentuating drum work crossing over into the 4th minute is strong. Solar Fields once again establishing a thickly warm and flowing rhythm; a melody lead comes into view from around 4:36 to 5:25. This part is wonderful, powerful and floating. The last 1:20 are pretty much an atmospheric interlude. It seems that the group cared to end each song not abrupt, but with a peaceful resolve. Such ideas are great for home, personal listening. It follows one building albeit one direction building path. I would sooner compare this to Solar Field's also beautiful Confusion Illusion Remix from Opus Iridium's downtempo side: CD2. This is another strong track, and arguably the most uplifting one here. A-
8. Feelings (album edit) is a contemplative and growing, emotive ambient influenced downtempo number. It's quite sad, though hopeful, musically floating and arresting. This is one of the more euphoric songs on the album. It flows one however strong direction, telling a story that could be of redemption, love, peace, understanding, and forgiveness. It's beautiful and quite moving, inspirational sounding from start to finish. This deserves to be as part of a score in a great film. It has a huge heart filled with warm loving energy, an appreciation for life and the beyond. A
9. Patterns is the shortest track here, at just under five minutes. It follows up the previous score nicely, adding a beat at around 2:40. This track could have easily been an evolution, continuation from the previous number, tweaked and separated to give the album an additional, solid number. Or not. It actually sounds quite different from the previous track and this would likely destroy the romantic sound prior due to its more aggressive to then soft approach. Patterns reminds me of Dust in the sense it comes down for landing just as soon as it gets going. I would have really liked if this song developed its initial two thirds more, once the beat got going, as opposed to shifting to ambient so soon, and ending soon after. Nonetheless, it's an interesting, catchy number. It just feels a bit squeezed, packed into this already seventy-plus minute album. It's as if they didn't have space to lengthen it, thus it remained a summarized or unaltered version of its potentially lengthier, more impressive self. B+
10. The Road to Nothingness is a wonderful return to epic and lush, ambient-influenced downtempo trance. The speed is calm, filled with a gentle melody and beat. The sound drifts reflecting angel's wind and fantasy gates, a reflection of the atmospheric approach and soundscapes explored as more of the song opens up like a body filled with a life to explore. The track could provide an eerie backdrop, score to a serious Tim Burton film. Moreover, the number is relaxing; it has a really nice sound. The atmosphere and ambient pull my consciousness deep into this moving world of ghosts, traces of fading memories. Excellent track. A-
11. Breeze sounds exactly that, a breeze, with an opening, streaming porthole of life pouring through it. A subtle tune drifts in the background until stepping into the light at around 2:18, a moment of beauty. Another positive sound brews beneath the surface as if the sun is is about to shine through the cloudy sky. At around 4:26 the speed picks up; the beat takes off, slowly. The sound becomes more present, satisfying. Soon after, at around 5:16 an even stronger musical element arrives, furthering the beauty, lifting the essential ingredients to even fresher, more weightless heights. Never does the song stray off path or into uncertain territory. It develops, acquiring a soft, female sound that compliments the the colorful island of sound. The aura softens from around 7:05 until it's close at 8:32, landing elegantly an unforgettable journey. This is a beautiful closing track. A-
In conclusion, Movements is the passion project that many fans of the ambient and downtempo/CHILL genre have been waiting for. I have so many downtempo albums; so many I like. Yet so few I consider excellent, not just good or great but really up there as superb. The first two Shpongle albums more or less and very few others. Add Movements to that short list. The tracks here are wonderful to listen to at nighttime, and/or undistracted accept for maybe inner thoughts, complimented by the music. I was never enamored by previous Solar Field albums to this degree. I came close to purchasing Leaving Home and 2007's Earthshine in the past. However Leaving Home I fond too lacking in downtempo while Earthshine seemed light on the ambient influence in order to compensate its cool, mainly uptempo approach. Movements fuses both ambient and downtempo together in a way that has finally captivated my senses, and will surely impress the majority of downtempo listeners out there. There are ambient tracks, real ambient here without beats, though such ambient is often connected to wonderful downtempo tracks they are a part of. My only complaint resides in Dust and Patterns, two songs that appear to end a little too soon after they showcase their most present feelings, thus resulting in their respective, creative ambient closing's that Solar Fields has prepared for each track, complimenting the beginnings. These two however, especially Patterns appears just short of full its potential, tough they're both well done. All in all, Movements would have won best 2008 downtempo album, bar none, if it released then. 2009 may be young. Movements sets the bar high. It's as if Solar Fields had an epiphany, an aware realization, vision and decided to go all. Movements is provocative, ethereal, ambitious, and absorbing from start to finish. This is one of the best albums I have ever heard. Thank you Solar Fields for choosing heart and substance over ego/money (selling out) and for going all out, taking chances. Anything (and occurrence) is possible after all. The result is an album that many will consider a real masterpiece.
Favorite tracks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.
A
Samples / Order here:
Saikosounds: http://www.saikosounds.com/english/display_release.asp?id=7737
Psyshop: http://www.psyshop.com/shop/CDs/inr/inr1cd035.html
It's also available on Amazon MP3. But this is really worth the whole package in zero-compressed quality.
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Bodhisattva
IsraTrance Full Member
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Posted : Apr 22, 2009 16:28
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Acidhive
IsraTrance Full Member
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2014
Posted : Apr 23, 2009 12:43
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I've ordered it a few weeks ago and listened to it a couple of times already. All I can say is: Great stuff. You'll listen to this one for years to come. It'll become timeless, trust me.
"Subconscious unravels at the point of death, and all time it has known erupts into a moment. As death extinguishes us, so we become it."
[Esoteric: Subconscious Dissolution Into The Continuum] |
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I hope Magnus will fokus on ambient because is the master here..his trance album was so simple and a dissapointment for me..
