Release Date: July 21, 2023
Label: Independent
Michael Whalen is one of the busiest people in the music industry. I am just finishing covering one release, and another one is ready. He has been on a creative run since his career began. The man does not have an “off” switch.
Luckily for all music lovers, we regularly receive this musical
renaissance man’s work. I have always enjoyed his musical eclecticism and look
forward to what he will do next.
Walk in Beauty Like The Night is as
advertised. It is romantic meditation for ambient piano from start to finish.
It always feels like it is what I need to hear when I start listening.
The track titles are enough to hook you and pull you into an
immersive state of mind or meditation. And that is the point of this recording.
I can only speak for myself, but this is the kind of music that relaxes me. I
am sometimes stressed and don’t even know it, which has become the normal state
of consciousness. I find this very concerning. Most of the time, my only outlet
is an invitation to an alternative form of being that Michael can offer us all
if you want to try it. I highly recommend that you do.
“The Most Humid Sexy Summer” does not sound like it could be the
type of music I just described. It intimates some things but is a bit different
musically than its predecessors. The beginning sounds like it will be a step
away from the core concept, but it changes rather quickly as the ambiance of
the keyboards fills your room. The backing layer is very ambient as Michael’s
skill on the keys takes over and continues to coax you into that relaxing
meditative state you so desperately need.
When creating a recording of ten tracks with the promise of
romanticism and meditation, you must be consistent with your approach, style,
mastering, and sound. Michael addresses all those key components. Whatever
drives him to create this music, I will probably never understand. And I do not
need to; I have to listen and absorb what the artist conveys in the package,
the cover art, the track titles, and the music presented to follow it. That is
what anyone must do.
“Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me...” is also slightly different in sound
and presentation and matches the title’s purposefulness. It reminded me of
Kraftwerk or Tangerine Dream. Whom I frequently reference while listening to
this type of music. After all, they were pioneers of ambient sounds using
variations of keyboards. And I am sure a massive influence on so many endeavors
in the new age and subgenres. That puts things into a clearer picture and
perspective for new listeners, I would like to believe. If, for some reason,
you may have doubts listen closely to “We Are All Made of Stars” or “Such Sweet
Sorrow,” you may also realize how that all connects.
“What We Love Deeply” started playing, and I felt touched
emotionally. Then my four-legged friend entered the room to validate the song
and my love for man’s best friend. The timing was perfect. And sometimes, it is
when it comes to different expressions of art forms such as music.
Stardust, we are ladies and gentlemen. Realizing that makes us a little more insignificant in a vast universe we may never know. Then again, everyone is part of that vastness, and music can make us feel whole again and find that connection to the divine within. Thanks again, Michael, for another beautiful album to enjoy.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder
June 20, 2023
Tracks:
01. Walk In Beauty, Like The Night
02. Anywhere Anytime Anything For You
03. Eternity Floats In Your Eyes
04. Always For The First Time
05. The Most Humid Sexy Summer
06. Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me...
07. We Are All Made of Stars
08. What We Love Deeply
09.Such Sweet Sorrow
10. Our Home By The Sea
No comments:
Post a Comment