Arcanum Klang Raum Wort

A beautiful melodic introduction to the first (47 minute) track kicks off this CD in great fashion. The piece is split into thirteen sections, the only drawback being that four of these are spoken pieces in German. I suggest that these are skipped through otherwise they do detract from the enjoyment somewhat. I am sure they are very meaningful and all that but most people reading this will not understand German and I am sure that even those that do would have preferred the music on its own. The total amount of time taken with these spoken passages is, however, only eight minutes. The style of music is very tuneful, laid back and relaxing. If you go for some of the more romantic artists on the Hearts of Space or Miramar labels then you should like this CD. It is very difficult to compose this sort of music without falling into New Age trappings or becoming sugary sweet. Arcanum, apart from on probably the last section, avoid those pitfalls by creating a slightly melancholic feel, as well as avoiding clutter and over production. Space is also used to great effect to heighten the atmosphere. The two most rhythmic tracks we have here are reworkings of sections from Arcanum's 'Alaska' and 'Behind The White Sea' and fit perfectly in this setting.The second track 'Waveland' starts with an acoustic guitar sample again showing how well Arcanum can weave a melody. At the half way mark the melody is taken over by a piano but to no lesser effect. I am sure that people who must have a strong rhythmic content or who prefer their music from the dark side would be vomiting into a bucket by now but for those who prefer to relax and let the music flow over them then this track and in fact the whole album would be ideal. The final track 'Spectral Voices', aptly starts off rather spookily, I can just imagine mist swirling round a graveyard. Just after the three minute mark a great sequence comes in though I feel the mood is spoilt slightly by a flute sound that is too high in the mix and on this occasion sounded a bit too sweet. At the six minute mark an acoustic guitar sample replaces the flute and really fits the mood much better but unfortunately the flute returns nearer the end. (DL)

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