Craig Padilla & Skip Murphy Phantasma Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband   Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'Shadowed Transition')

'Shadow Transition' is a beautiful way to open the album. Bright shimmers float over warm, lush pads. Flutey synth makes things seem even more tranquil. By the third minute a lovely sequence can just be heard low in the mix. It is joined by a second. If you liked early Software such as 'Electronic Universe' you should love this. Just close your eyes and let the subtle pulsations and soothing tones surround you. We follow straight through into 'Eternal Path'. Rapid sequences chase up and down the scale but as with the previous track they are not too forceful, just peaceful- meditational even. A plucked string sequence joins the others but adds to rather than distracts from the soothing atmos. Sequences depart for 'Sleepwalking'. Deep dark drones abound. A particularly lovely one rises in waves, from silence to high in the mix.

'A Midnight Muse' keeps up the nocturnal theme but the sequences return, gently skipping along, stimulating the imagination, making me think of a refreshing warm summer-night's rain. The music increases in intensity as we go as if the night is waning and the sun starts to break over the horizon. A similar mood keeps up as we seamlessly move on to 'Illusions'. The sequences gradually subside leaving a melodic motif to call out, to be answered each time by a short bass line. Just after the half way mark a piano meanders over the sound of crashing waves. As we move into the Twenty-Five minute title track the backing becomes positively booming like explosions being heard from far away. All manner of effects and dark deep drones go together to form a spooky eerie atmosphere. A four-note sequence calls out and a two-note pulse replies. Both elements gradually become more prominent. A slow lead line joins in as the sequences become heavier- developing something of a snarl then morphing completely to bass intensity before really letting rip- wonderful stuff! . The lead line responds by also upping the oomph level. We finish with deep, dark, dripping malevolence. What a stonking track this is!