Dreams of Escape
by
+Anonymous+
Michael Valentino is a U.S.-based electronic musical genius that borders on magnificent. At the very least, Dreams Of Escape attempts to enlighten listeners with a range of auditory impulses that sparkle with a futuristic presence in the vein of the instrumental works of Tangerine Dream, Enya, Michael Stearns, Robert Rich, Steve Reich, and Vangelis. Michael utilizes dark, as well as light moods of human existence with entrancing, ambient washes, stereophonic soundscapes, and electronic blurbs that are as majestic as they are beautiful.
“Dreams of Escape” opens with a washed out, symphonic sound with light reverberation and a film score-like appeal. The electronic melody wavers little throughout the entire song, but the song’s title connotes dreams as a form of escape. In this manner, a feeling of weightlessness and floating signals an appropriate summation of the sound. The entrancing appeal is also rather somber. However, the song does not contain any vocals or a drumbeat. The gentle, electronic swishes of “October Moon” move into a crystalline and electronic medley of melodic, yet slightly diffused tinny pulsations. The escalating electronic washes effortlessly wrap around the melodic, tinny sounds that are generally uplifting and not as somber as the previous song.
“Starboard” opens with a mix of crashing waves on shore and cackling sea birds. A few electronic washes bleed into the faded bird sounds and waves, before a distorted keyboard rhythm takes over. At times, the instrumental song is a bit suspenseful and always beautiful. The arrangements are carefully executed with a few gentle washes interspersed with the catchy melody that does not need drums or guitars to keep the beat. Perhaps the undulating and catchy melody, as well as the title, is characteristic of being at sea. In any case, Michael creates a pleasant journey that is quite uplifting and does not need to be rescued from the ocean’s undertow. Structurally, the song is similar to “October Moon,” but slightly more subdued as in a Thomas Newman film score.
“Haunted” is more of a piano-centric song with an ambient introduction and slightly tinny accompaniment that seems to match the piano playing. If the tinny accompaniment was not present, then this would seem more like a Ronan Hardiman composition. The echoes of the tinny sounds reverberate with the piano and electronic washes. Still, the music is void of vocals and drums, but that does not mean the music is any less worthy. “Rain” does not open with water sounds, as the title suggests. Instead, electronic washes and a few reverberating keyboard sounds play throughout the song. The slower, Enya-like melody could serve as a New Age anthem or film score hit, because all of the musical elements come together. “Dusk” is the darkest song with distorted organ or keyboard effects with electronic washes that seem to ebb and flow from beneath the Earth and then slowly rise to the surface as the sounds lighten up.
“Valley Of The Kings” is one live track that opens with a raucous applause before Michael plays a piano melody that is masterfully produced. However, the song deviates from the more electronic-focused songs on the rest of the album. Though, it allows the listeners to sample a live concert feel. “Mansion III” begins with a thunderstorm before it fades into a blurb-driven, upbeat, electronic tempo with ambient washes and echoes characteristic of some of the other songs.
Michael Valentino’s latest electronic and atmospheric release is full of ambient melodies, dark effects, and majestic soundscapes. The complete absence of vocals, guitar, and drums provides a format for a more richly textured and experimental album. Thankfully, Michael’s electronic effects did not stray too far into the world of boring piano music. Nevertheless, the only problem was most of the songs contained similar melodies. The progression and impact of the album’s content was diminished to a point, because of the lack of dissimilarities. However, Dreams Of Escape is still a good production of instrumental, New Age music.
Review by Matthew Forss - Inside World Music
Rating: 4 Stars (out of 5)
