Craig Padilla The Eye of the Storm

An album recorded in 1996, the opening track 'Angel' immediately catches the ear with an infectious melody backed by deft bass and mid sequencing. Some element hint at the more traditional EM style which smd fans will know and love, however its also heavily influenced by the slick US style produced by the likes of Peter Buffett and David Arkenstone - especially their earlier work. The melodies are infectious and beguiling. This is an extremely strong start to the album. 'Vast Emotions' again opens with trad style sequencing but then edges into a "choppier" lilt. Then the silken melodics take over than the track shapeshifts into more high quality night music with an enjoyable edge.

'The gift' is a careful piece picked out on flutey synth and glockenspiel type synth vox. It has a slightly medieval/regimental air but is still pleasing enough. 'One' starts with classic birdsong effects. Haven't heard this type of thing for a while, but there was a time when seemingly every release had to bring the deepest amazon into your sound space. How tastes change, but either way this track is another impressive outing as the synth pads build to grandiose effect. Then the track glides on a variety of thematic pastiches.

'Night Rain' is next, and what a corker this is - as long as you like electric guitar. I usually only like such pieces if the guitar work is especially strong, and that's the case here. More than a passing resemblance of Mike Oldfield in full flow - and with the acoustic guitar detail is all adds up to a supreme outing. Finally we have the epic title track - weighing in at a touch over 30 minutes. It opens with strange effects which bring to mind the classic Sci Fi movie 'Forbidden Planet'. 7 minutes of expert atmosphere finally gives way to a syncopating sequence - the sequence is workmanlike rather than stunning, and actually is a slight disappointment considering the quality which has preceded it. It does develop however with some decent drum work thrown in for good measure. then at the 20 minute mark this tracks starts to show its true potential. That slick melodic style is superimposed onto the sequence and drum patterns and we are served up 5 minutes of sublime EM which fades into another excellent sequence, then an extended atmos section to finish. Must admit I'll usually "cut to the chase" on this track and start at the 20 minute mark - but this possibly underplays the piece as a whole which is generally very well presented.