SHADOWS & REFLECTIONS

Shadows & Reflections was Geoffrey Downes' fifth solo album overall and the second one not to use the "New Dance Orchestra" name. This absence of that name is appropriate as this album is different from The Light Program, Vox Humana, and The World Service in that on Shadows & Reflections Downes decided to go full ambient. Like The Light Program, the present album holds long tracks with only two this time: one called Shadows and the other called Reflections. The former has a running time of over 20 minutes and the second is over 30 minutes in length. But unlike the melodic "electronic symphony" found on The Light Program, what we have here is mostly soundscapes and dreamy, relaxing mood music. Still, there are a few moments here and there where Geoff breaks out of the ambient mood and indulges in some electronic synth excursions and even plays some classical piano. Comparisons to the music of Vangelis is never far off when hearing Shadows & Reflections.

I find this album pleasant and enjoyable for the most part but it is a step backwards compared to the previous The World Service. Recommended only for people with a taste for ambient, electronic music.