Browsing Tag

Phillip Glass

Lee Olivier-Hall – This is Only the Beginning: A Conceptually Profound Neo-Classic Account of Lockdown-Melancholy

Posted on 4 June 2021

Artist and composer Lee Olivier-Hall is set to release his most candid work to date. His EP ‘Moments in Sound’ was written during the pandemic as the film composer captured the emotional impact of uncertainty, fear and isolation.

The conceptual duplicity of the lead single, This is Only the Beginning, plays with our newly found pessimism and fear of beginnings as the tender ambient neo-classic keys reflect the fragility of our optimism. The use of spatial effect and instrumental minimalism is devastatingly profound as it mimics the hollow, vacuous nature of our new world.

Since graduating from BIMM London, the artist has primarily focused on composing for film, his experience scoring for film reflects in the visual nature of the four-track EP which is easily one of the most stunning accounts of lockdown melancholy.

This is Only the Beginning will be available to stream and purchase on all major platforms from June 4th. In the meantime, you can check out Lee Olivier-Hall via his website, Instagram or Facebook.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Momento has celestially revived Sigur Ros and Devotcha’s ‘Through The Horizon’

Posted on 23 December 2020

Self-described as ‘Genre-Fluid Performers’, childhood friends Jonathan Chan and Jan Bislin – better known as Momento – are multi-instrumentalists, performers, and composers, specialising in a mixture of original and reworked pop and classical compositions. Here presenting their new single ‘Through The Horizon’, a mixture of Sigur Ros’ ‘Hoppipolla’ and ‘How It Ends’ by Devotchka, the classically trained duo mix electric and acoustic violin performances with sequenced electronic drums and synthesiser parts to create a beautiful, entrancing soundscape that is at once familiar and wholly new.

Already well-established as support for acts as diverse as Tim Minchin, James Blunt, and Gary Barlow, and with over half-a-million YouTube views under their belts – as well as regular headline shows on the streaming platform Sofar Sounds – Jonathan and Jan have here created a beguiling instrumental piece which allows both performers to shine, never overly flashy yet clearly demonstrating their supreme musicianship and arrangement expertise. Based on ‘Through The Horizon’, 2021 should be pretty memorable for Memento.

Check out ‘Through The Horizon’ on YouTube, and follow Memento on Instagram and Facebook.

Review by Alex Holmes

Ukranian Composer and Pianist Olexandr Ignatov explores the human psyche with their 2020 album “Messages”

Posted on 10 September 2020

Ukrainian composer, producer and pianist Olexandr Ignatov has countless accolades to their name. After the release of their Neo-Classic album “Messages”, they can also be proud to have their name behind one of the most stunning albums of 2020.

Each composition invites you to explore a different emotion, Patience, Empathy, Temperance, Loyalty, Trust, the track which hit the evocative spot the hardest for us was undoubtedly “Struggle”.

The precision in timing between the notes is almost otherworldly in the way it sets trepidation, torment and a spiralling sense of despair. Yet, it can’t be said that the piece was without any sense of beauty and resilience. It’s the perfect reminder that if you’re struggling, you’re still fighting and not all hope is lost. And with that revelation, I might have a little cry.

Struggle is available to stream via Spotify with the rest of their ground-breaking album.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Indulge in the twilight tones of Star Gazer’s latest neo-classically ambient single “Only a Dream”

Posted on 25 June 2020

With the harsh caustic anger which is coursing through the world right now, tranquilly quiescent soundscapes such as up and coming artist Star Gazer’s single “Only a Dream” feel like a necessity.

The Neo-Classically keyed, futuristically produced instrumental ambient track is just one of the distinctively resolving singles found on Star Gazer’s EP “Within” which stands as a testament to both Star Gazer’s authenticity and ingenuity.

Any fans of Phillip Glass and Nils Frahm will definitely want Only a Dream in their ears and Star Gazer on their radars.

You can drink in the twilight tones of Only a Dream for yourselves via Spotify along with the rest of Star Gazer’s EP. COVID-19 dreams may not be pleasant, but the intoxicatingly ambient EP definitely is.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

‘FURTHER AND FURTHER’: MICHAEL VIGNOLA FT. FRANCESCA DARDANI

Posted on 26 April 2020

When you are a multi-award-winning film composer, you have an innate knack for soundtracks. Michael Vignola performs a perfect blend of classical and ambient music in his latest release ‘Further and Further’, that feats violinist Francesca Dardani.

Gentle grand piano arpeggios are the main feature of the track, creating a genuine sound that emphasizes the overlaying violin melodies in an effort that combines classic with contemporary.

‘Further and Further’ is where your mind wanders when you listen to Michael Vignola, making it the perfect background music for the next big film release.

You can pre-save ‘Further and Further’ for yourself here.

Review by Jim Esposito.