Catalin
First Breath
Nice spooky start to the aptly titled ‘Opening (First Breath)’. Everything the melodic synth lover could want, as long as you want angelic choirs, cello, synth pads and harp that is. When the rhythm arrives it is very impressive, complimenting the piece and giving it some structure rather than driving it on. The word “nice” could be used very often here. The album is on AD Music Ltd who seem to aim very much at the American Mainstream Instrumental market, all very pleasant, well produced and professionally presented.

‘Zulu Spirit Calls’ uses ethnic drumming (water drums?), pan pipes and chants. This is extremely pleasant stuff, almost boppy, with some cracking good tunes. The sort of thing your mum might like. ‘Iceberg’ is a strange name for a very warm piece. It is all very joyful, images abound of smiling, happy children in some sunny land. ‘Synthetic History’ is an effective chugger, again very pleasant After the rather Arabic sounding ‘Nandana- Paradise of Indra’ we get ‘Cross Faded Memories’.

City street noises give way to a very romantic sounding piano melody. A cello is added and the piece gets more and more sentimental as it goes on. Would have made a good theme tune to a Hollywood weepy. ‘Treasures of the Deep’ is the sort of music you might hear played over the cafe PA system on a sunny summer holiday sitting under palm trees sipping something cool and wondering why you burger and chips hadn’t arrived yet. ‘Postlude’ is a short track which finishes things off in almost Vangelis mode. (DL)

Second Opinion

Heaven must be missing a preset. Listen to the eponymous opening track of Catalin Marin's U.K. debut and you'll know exactly what I mean. This is music to melt the coldest of hearts and uplift the lowest of spirits. An ethereal choir gradually approaches with a simple, but deeply spiritual, melody which builds in intensity accompanied by orchestral flourishes and chords that evoke the industrial landscape of Los Angeles 2019. Ah, I love the smell of burning oil at twilight. After two and half minutes, the rhythm comes in with a subtler tune set against a simple bassline and symphonic accompaniment. Choral effects augment the mix and another change of pace brings with it melodic variations for the final segment and fade out. 'Zulu Spirits Call' transports you to the dry, dust filled air of Africa through adept voice sampling and highly effective ethnic percussion. The overall effect is not dissimilar to Deep Forest and it is interesting to note that Catalin comes from Craiova, Romania, the country that brought us Michael (Enigma) Cretu, and Gheorghe Zamfir.

'Iceberg' is anything but cold. A fine, sparkling melody is set against tabla-like rhythms and sparkling arpeggios that inspire. Choir effects are used, more sparingly this time towards the end of the piece. 'Synthetic History' partly returns to the style of the first cut but with a more complex rhythm. Catalin changes the pace and melodies with dexterity whilst employing symphonic textures and choral effects to flesh out the mix and crescendos. Melodies are allowed to build but never outstay their welcome. 'Nandana-Paradise of lndra' is a superb piece combining all the elements thus far deployed to create an eastern palette. However, the early motif would not have sounded out of place on 'China' by Vangelis, but let's not argue about geography. 'Cross Faded Memories' begins with a lushly romantic classical piano treatment with accompanying epic cinematic orchestration. This may be too saccharine for some sensibilities but it is composed and performed with great aplomb and provides a change of style and pace. 'Treasures of the Deep' combines the ethnic elements of the composer's music with romanticism and a keen sense of melody coupled to a faster beat. 'Postlude' concludes with a short, celestial, Vangelis-style refrain which leaves you wanting more. This album has inevitably been compared to Vangelis, in his more accessible guise, and will obviously appeal to his fan base, but Catalin's music has considerable cross-over potential and will be embraced by discerning listeners who appreciate carefully crafted music and inspiring melodies. Recommended. (Steve Roberts)

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