Note: This is a review based on an advanced copy of the album. The differences, as I can tell, are as follows
- The interludes are named iona 1 and iona 2 in my copy (this is assuming they are musically the same)
- “Secret Place” is my track 5, after the first interlude. “Secret Path” is not on the release
- The last 3 tracks of my release are “natural harbor”, “along the 30th parallel” (yes from the itinerary ep), and “enraptured” as opposed to “Secret Place”, a remix of “where there are no roads,” and “Hymn”. I think the last song mentioned were just renamed, but I do not know
- I have not heard the remix of “where there are no roads” or “Secret Path”
Because of this, my review may not be exactly correct, but the beginning should be accurate.
I enjoy S. Zeilenga’s music based on Of Beauty and Mystery and the Itineray EP. It always feels like a well weaved adventure of the senses. This release takes that up a notch. The first track really teases you, making you think that this is an ambient release. It is the second track, “Uncharted Continent,” that really breaks loose and basically floored me. I was so impressed by this track. I personally find that to be my favorite of the entire cd. It really is one of the great adventuring tracks about an explorer who is completely lost in this wilderness. It is organic chill at its best and ever so unique. “In Medias Res,” the next track, is a very nice transition away from this overall majesty into the lower mists of this new land. It is a calmer and more ambient track that feels like a decent into the forest. The first interlude is a nice pause from the action in a kind of chipper way. It reminds me of a bird happily chirping away while you adventure by. *This differs from the cd. My next track is “Secret Place” not “Secret Path”* “Secret Place” is a very beautiful but secluded track that have a very down tempo and gentle feel to it. It seems to tiptoe around the area and peer at all of the wild life and so on. It’s a quite nice track. “Where there are no Roads” comes next and really is a great track. You can hear it on the Zeilenga music video I posted earlier, but I have to say this is my second favorite on the cd. It is rich and powerful while keeping that in the woods feel to it. It really is a journey and somewhat of a trudge through this part of the forest. By the time the adventurer gets to “Constellations,” he must have reached a nicer opening and lie down. This is a much more chipper and tame track of mystery and it seems tiredness. There definitely is anticipation in this ambient track, but it is restrained for now. The track gets even more relaxed towards the middle and Zeilenga’s minimalistic side really shows. It’s not boring as much as very calm. The next interlude starts off with curiosity of what is found and seems to increase to a bit of happiness at the shore, but still some reserve about the future. *This differs from the cd. This is where “Secret Place” normally would be, followed by the remix of “Where there are no roads” and finally “Hymn”* “Natural Harbor” really gives a reserved curious about the water feel. It is a great effect of exploration around this new place. It is somewhat eerie and a bit dark, but still a great track. “Along the 30th Parallel” seems to wander away from this place, but keeps the somewhat reserved, fear-ish feeling. It is much more up beat than the previous couple tracks. “Enraptured” is a pretty lengthy ambient piece that keeps you entertained for about the first half. It starts to become repetitive after that point until it seems to just fade away for the ending. It’s really not a bad track except for its length. The ending could probably be better, but it’s not bad. It does give you a feeling of ending.
Even without knowing the final cd, I would definitely say that this is a must-have for any chillout lover. The cd is outstanding. It definitely is one of my favorites. Don’t forget to get a preorder in if you want a physical cd. You should be able to get a digital release some time later.
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