Fallen Trees

構成数 : 1枚
合計収録時間 : 00:00:00
Following his somewhat underwhelming major-label debut Illirion, which felt like an airbrushed greeting card-ization of his innovative style, pianist Lubomyr Melnyk returned to Erased Tapes with his 2018 release Fallen Trees. Inspired by train voyages through deep European forests, the album is vast and detailed, but there's a rhythmic drive which the listener's mind hooks onto like a cable car. Pieces like "Son of Parasol" can be likened to minimalism because of their hypnotic repetition and gradual change, but this feels much more complex and involved. And on pieces like the marvelous "Barcarolle," there are heavy servings of heart-warming sentimentality, only enhanced by Melnyk's technical prowess. "Requiem for a Fallen Tree" features the otherworldly vocals of Hatis Noit, who perfectly conveys a feeling of being whisked away, just as Melnyk's piano playing does. The second half of the album is taken up by the five-part "Fallen Trees" suite, which sounds like an entire cross-country journey boiled down to 21 minutes. Centerpiece "Apparition" is made all the more breathtaking due to the presence of cellist Anne Muller and guest vocalist David Allred. Fallen Trees is an excellent example of Melnyk's artful and accessible form of music, which never sacrifices heart for sheer technical ability. ~ Paul Simpson