The Space Left Behind - EP

iTunes Review

Those not familiar with Carmen Rizzo’s solo recordings may recognize the GRAMMY® nominee’s name from production credits on albums by Seal, Coldplay, Paul Oakenfold, Dido, and Jem. The title of The Space Left Behind alludes to the fact that this EP is Rizzo’s first solo instrumental outing. Starting with the lush title track, these downtempo soundscapes have a panoramic sprawl; Rizzo composed them while traversing Los Angeles, Prague, Sarajevo, Montreal, and Tel Aviv. “Morning Glory” moves on skittering beats as minimal synthesizer tones rub against organic metal chimes to create a soothing eardrum massage. “Returning to Silence” features science fiction–inspired effects; ricochet rhythms pulse under subtle Moog drones and laser-sounding keyboards. Things sound a bit new age–influenced on “Take Me Over,” as atmospheric ambience plays under digital chirps before what sounds like backmasked organ seeps in. The aptly titled “Ascend” closes with skyward-soaring melodies.