Michael Stearns
Floating Whispers
Synth pads shimmer, build and break, heralding ‘Spanish Twilight’. A strummed acoustic guitar accompanies the waves of synth. The guitar is then plucked in suitably Spanish fashion. ‘Portraits’ appeared on probably Michael’s most popular album ‘Chronos’. It is a dark brooding track with just a little percussive detail, a flute type lead carries a lonesome melody but it is really the depth of the bass drones that attract most of the attention.

‘Almost Daybreak’ uses two notes constantly repeated as the structure for layer upon layer of synth drones. What starts off as an occasional synth lead develops into the main feature. It is hardly melodic, just providing detail. A backdrop of birdsong and running water is gently disturbed by very quiet music on ‘At the Bath’. A melody is then brought in, sounding faintly Eastern. What is very odd about the track however is a strange muffled sound in the background which is either the sound of the wind on the microphone or muffled distant thunder, either way it is rather distracting (especially if listening on headphones).

‘A Moment Before’ is a completely different matter. Whooshes of synth blow over a tinkling sequence. It just sounds ready to take off into something quite special then I look at the sleeve and notice that it is less than three minutes long and just as soon as I have spotted this it fades out, hmph. ‘The Reflecting Heart’ (oh heavens!) starts off superbly with delicate atmospherics and what sounds like a wooden flute almost crying over the top. A string backing is added, as is strummed guitar and all is fine (very good actually) until about the four minute mark when we seem to head for an EM / Country and Western crossover. I know this sounds awful and to many people it will be but really it isn’t that bad.

Insect noises are a fitting beginning to ‘Night Currents’ and a very relaxing affair it is too, ideal for sitting out on a balcony in some far away sunny land. The title tack, another atmospheric number, rounds off the album but it only lasts a couple of minutes so doesn’t really have time to do too much. (DL)

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