Release Date: May
10, 2015
Label: Indie
Stribling offers relaxing sounds that put you in a
spiritual place. He uses keyboards to create his musical symphonies and in
doing so brings forth a sound that is like a warm summer breeze touching your
face or the gentleness of flower petals falling silently to the ground. This is
the essence of his music. There are moments of transition that keep things
interesting and energetic spurts that let you know he has the ability to step
it up a few notches when he decides to and add a little excitement to the mix
and make the softer approaches that much more poignant and meaningful.
As it says on the artist website, "The mission of
Leela Music is to help others in their journey toward wholeness through the
gift of music, by creating works that inspire and uplift the human spirit
(Leela means 'divine play').” Certainly that is accomplished through the music.
Being a diverse listener always helps to be more open to new sounds. There is
not a day that passes that I cannot use a good dose of music that takes the
edge off, and Michael reminded me of that while listening.
The amazing thing about how this man creates his music is
that it’s just him, his keyboards, and various sampled sounds captured by a
MIDI, then shaped and molded through Digital Performer and multiple plug-ins.
It is electronic-based music, and it comes together quite nicely and sounds
beautiful. It takes a good ear and plenty of talent to create music like this.
"Dust Yourself Off” is a favorite. I loved the
keyboards and synth sounds; it is a marvelous and very effective combination. "Looking
Up” into the skies day or night is a wondrous and spiritual thing; it has been
for me my entire life. And this track is the most upbeat, driving, and dramatic
take on the entire recording. It’s exciting, like something Vangelis would do
for a movie score. The brightness and joy brought forth will bring a smile to
you, inside and out.
"Time For Bed, Sweetheart” is a symphonic lullaby. It
is pulls you right in like an inviting warm bed on a cold winter’s night. It is
purposeful and determined, yet soft and sweet at the same time. I liked the
texture and atmospheric nature of this track. It was like a bit of aural heaven
for my senses.
As the album closes out, it is a reminder to all of us
that life moves "Ever Onward”; as a gentle and happy invitation begins
with keys and tinkling bells, you look back at everything you just heard and
all the feelings the music was able to draw out of you. Music like this is not
only relaxing, its intuitive nature allows contemplation and reflection of what
is on the inside, not the superficial daily things. The question is what is
really going on inside your head and what moves your soul. In spirit you can
find the truth, and the final result is inner peace. I believe that is the goal
of what Mr. Stribling strives to accomplish with his music. Thank you for
making that a reality for me, sir; I look forward to your next outing of ear
candy that translates to spiritual bliss.
4.5/5
Stars
Key Tracks: Dust Yourself Off; Looking Up; Time
For Bed, Sweetheart
Tracks:
01. First Light
02. Looking Up
03. Winter Encounter
04. Dream Waves
05. Self Seeking Self
06. Just a Moment
07. Repose
08. A Better Place
09. Soliloquy
10. Reassurance
11. Quiet Certainty
12. Dust Yourself Off
13. Time for Bed, Sweetheart
14. Ever Onward
Tracks:
01. First Light
02. Looking Up
03. Winter Encounter
04. Dream Waves
05. Self Seeking Self
06. Just a Moment
07. Repose
08. A Better Place
09. Soliloquy
10. Reassurance
11. Quiet Certainty
12. Dust Yourself Off
13. Time for Bed, Sweetheart
14. Ever Onward
Keith "MuzikMan”
Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
June 4, 2015
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews