Instrumental New Age Review: Holland Phillips-A Sense of Distance

Release Date: July 12, 2024

Label: ‎Ageless Records

Website

With A Sense of Distance two years in the making, Holland Phillips has a reason to be filled with anticipation and energy. His listening audience may feel the same, as the artist believes it is some of his best work. If that is what the creator believes, I will also agree.

 

"Perseus Rising" begins the recording. Looking at the cover art, I imagine the distance from what we see above us. The track starts with the piano and synth for an added layer of texture. It has a nice feel and a rhythm that anyone can find a commonality with. It's a great way to start your journey.

 

"Through the Rabbit Hole" takes a different turn. The title sets the stage for the music and your interpretation. You can immediately feel the change in mood from the previous track. It sounds intellectually stimulating or thought-provoking, like something from a movie scene.

 

"Bittersweet" has a dual meaning, so how does that flesh out on the track? The piano and synths create an atmosphere that helps you visualize that feeling. It's part anticipatory and part soothing music, which are also two sides of the coin, as it were.

 

"Behind the Veil" starts with a mysterious sound, as it should. What is behind that veil? The question is out there for you to discern within the music. The use of the keyboards is significant in all the music, and there is no better way to paint the proper picture than with this track's textures and melancholic atmospheric touch points.

 

"Enchantments" begins with a touch of grace and beauty that is truly captivating. As the piano starts, another layer of keys enters the mix to fixate on the track's meaning; the intent pulls you quickly, and you become enchanted. It's a track that will leave you spellbound.

The title track, "A Sense of Distance," begins another significant journey being the title track. It starts upbeat with a happy-sounding piano and underlying synth where the music floats around your immediate space, physical or mental; you can feel it. A thread turns into a patchwork quilt of ambiance and relaxation.

 

"Flying Solo" tells you from the start that it's just you and the music. Are you ready to take flight and let the frequencies and sounds lead? The music is soft and inviting, with some high points that create positive and encouraging energy. At least, that is what I heard while listening; it is your solo flight, so listen and let it take you where you want to go. Simple.

 

"Hope Remains" is what it says. We all hold onto hope regardless of what life has given us. That comes from a point of strength, the core of your being. This is another atmospheric beauty defined by musical notes and the layers a keyboard and synth can create. It is very orchestral and poignant, with the perfect balance of sounds.

 

"On Whistler's Ridge" starts with percussion and a solid but soft bass line. The piano is constant, and the synth echoes in the background. For more effect, you hear a tambourine as the bass and percussion continue to create a path for everything else to follow. It is one of the longer tracks (4:41) but one of my favorites.

 

"For The Love of It" opens the door to transformation. You do certain things (I hope) simply because you love to do them. It makes you whole, completes your life cycle, and gives it more meaning. It is a stunning way to end this recording. The music is so clear, flowing, and full of life. The simple things in life can become more meaningful than life if you do it because you love it. For me, it is music, without a doubt, that brings me absolute joy. It has significantly changed my life.

 

Everyone creates A Sense of Distance. Suppose you are free from debilitating addictions, negative thought patterns, or anything holding you back. In that case, the distance either becomes further away or gets closer to realizing its true meaning and sets you free, which assists you in going in the direction that will recharge your spirituality and hopefully change things for the better for a more satisfying and fruitful existence.

 

Yes, music can be that powerful and influential; I hope you, as a listener, can find the path that gets you there through this music listening to A Sense of Distance.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

July 12, 2024

Tracks:

01. Perseus Rising

02. Through the Rabbit Hole

03. Bittersweet

04. Behind the Veil

05. Enchantments

06. A Sense of Distance

07. Flying Solo

08. Hope Remains

09. On Whistler’s Ridge

10. For The Love of IT