KEVIN BARTLETT

The dynamics are still slowed down for another Bartlett album, which is actually a mix of New Age and Electronic Prog, drawing influences from MIKE OLDFIELD, PINK FLOYD and Classical Music to offer ethereal, relaxing soundscapes with little contribution by rock instruments and constant doses of effects, electronics and synthesizers.So, Bartlett's music flows in a clam and safe enviroment with piano and keyboards as the main instruments, delivering atmospheres than can be both very trippy and dreamy, sometimes doubled by spacey, orchestral movements.Unfortunately this is some very soft and eventually quite hypnotic material, tending often to minimalism, which needs desperately a strong upgrade.This will come in a few pieces with some good guitar work and an apparently programmed rhythm section, which offers a seriously needed energy and some decent FLOYD-ian influence.Parts of the album contain sampled string arrangements and some sort of Ethnic flavor, especially following Gholson's vocal sections.However the lack of some more upbeat tunes and the never-changing trippy mood of the album kills its dynamic potential, which could have been really great if only some more electric tunes were added.

Bartlett still remains an active member within the music community and he even released his first trully Rock-sounding album ''Songs for the Big Kablooey'' in 2011.

A decent album for fans, who take background music as a serious case and lovers of the New Age side of MIKE OLDFIELD or GANDALF.Not really recommended to fans of any form of straightforward Rock or rich-sounding Art/Prog Rock.

New age tinged music is still the name of the game; and synths still the dominating instrument. This time around there are more symphonic tinged segments around though; and Bartlett has added more contrasts to his compositions; especially adding more dark textures and undercurrents underscoring the lighter ethereal layers. Backing vocals and vocal effects with distinct world music leanings, the addition of drums in many tunes, atmospheric guitar soloing as ell as acoustic guitar adds to the nuances explored; and the addition of eastern-sounding musical elements also keeps up interest when utilized.

Dark-tinged symphonic electronic music with some leanings towards symphonic rock is the name of the game here; with a certain emphasis on space-sounding explorations. High class all the way, and a release that should cater for the needs of many into new age as well as symphonic rock and space rock.

And the music explored on this album is of a style and manner that most people will categorize as new age. Synthesizers and keyboards dominate, the compositions are slow moving and atmospheric, guitars are used mainly as an effect, the same can be said with most rhythms in the form of drums and various forms of percussion, and even the slight input of human voices now and again is one of effect rather than vocal performance as such.

Bartlett makes more complex creations than most though. Multiple melody lines, several additional layers of sounds and effects, numerous breaks and changes in mood and intensity; and exploring spacey as well as ethnic-tinged landscapes. Careful use of dissonances and contrasting melody lines adds textures and nuances to this production rarely seen elsewhere in albums like this one - and although there's nothing here that is truly stunning you won't find anything uninteresting either; as long as you find the general style interesting.