Shaped Signs Nature's Odyssey Play: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi   Download: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi (Excerpt from track 'Canyons')

If beautiful, relaxing, melodic music is your thing with laid back (though also sometimes with a little of a kick) electric guitar playing often mixed with piano then this album is for you. 'Sunrise' begins with soft pads but after a few seconds a high hat line strikes up. In the background is the sound of children playing then an electric guitar serves up a soaring melody which is then joined by piano. 'Rainforest' initially creates an appropriately heat hazy atmosphere over which the electric guitar provides the lead line for a few moments before being joined by the piano again. The sound of tropical birds adds to the gentle atmosphere. The pace quickens a little with the introduction of a steady rhythm, providing a little structure and additional interest. 'Lowlands' features infectious, almost ethnic sounding rhythms over which the guitar provides that little added energy at some moments and at others dreamy little melodies. 'Lakes' is not too dissimilar though even sleepier.

'Ice' is basically a piano piece backed by soft synth colouring, even becoming a little symphonic at times. 'Aurora' is also fairly symphonic with a little tinkling melodic sequence. 'Canyons' begins quite moodily with deep flutey synth which is then accompanied by a really nice shuffling / chugging rhythm. It also has a first class guitar solo. All in all a superb track, my favourite on the CD as it has real attitude, not just a 'feel good' number. This flows seamlessly into the acoustic guitar dominated 'Beyond the Ocean', the solo being equally as impressive. 'Clouds' begins with a very nice sequence low in the mix. A piano melody is added then an almost weeping guitar. From four and a half minutes things become even more mellow as acoustic joins the electric guitar. Finally we get spoken female vocals- you will like it or not (not my cup of tea I'm afraid- sorry Lia). 'Atmosphere' mixes ethereal vocals with an exciting melodic loop and of course the guitar. At times it is quite a dramatic track whilst at others quite tender. There is narration again but his time it seemed to work, I think because it was lower in the mix. This is followed by some quite heavy guitar which I thought worked very well. I liked this track almost as much as 'Canyons'.