David Helpling Sleeping on the Edge of the World

I must admit, I haven't been that thrilled with some of the past releases on the Spotted Peccary label, which have struck me as rather generic soundtrack music. I'm pleased to report that recent releases seem to keep getting stronger, and David Helpling's latest is a case in point. Very reminiscent of Patrick O'Hearn's ‘Trust’ CD, and favourably so, this is melodic ambient with rich textures. Perfect drifting space music with beautiful piano echoing in the background. Booming percussion from time to time adds to the feeling of expansiveness. The musical mood fits the title of the disc most aptly.

‘Deepest Days’, for example, conjures up images of speeding across the horizon with its driving rhythms, then it abruptly stops as we reach the edge of a great expanse. Looking around, taking in the view, the journey continues as the spacious sounds are replaced with the driving beat again. Piano moves into the foreground on ‘Divine Whisper’, but there's still a lot going on around it. Beautiful synth strings and loads of percussion keep things moving. Helpling has the ability to mix seemingly contrasting elements in a very pleasing, effective way. Many of the songs have a reflective, quiet mood, yet are filled with richly layered rhythms.

The disc consists of eleven fairly short tracks, and though they all fit together well, a nice variety of musical ideas within the main theme of space and expansiveness is explored. This is very accessible music, and should appeal to fans of ambient as well as pop or even, dare I say it, new age. The O'Hearn comparison is unavoidable throughout, particularly on tracks like ‘Moon Dreaming Thunder’ and ‘Soul of a Child’, with their interplay of deep echoing booming drums, lots of brushed cymbals, and piano heavy on the reverb. Very soothing, and very good. (PD)

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