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| Scott Mosher - Virtuality |
 Released: 2001 Label: The Ambient Mind Cat. No.: Total Time: 72:16 | |
Reviewed by: Bjørnar Bevolden, May 2003 It rarely happens that we get such ambitious projects as this CD is. I tell you, Scott Mosher, the mastermind behind this CD, is one impressive and productive man. He has made the booklet/graphics, done the programming, sequencing, produced and played every instrument on this CD, except for a couple of solos and the lead vocals. The booklet is filled with beautiful graphics and a comprehensive, insightful liner note on the present world situation and personal beliefs. All this, completed with the music takes you on a journey of atmospheric soundscapes and into another state of mind. In the booklet the music is described as "Ambient Neo-Progressive Cyber-Rock." This description makes a lot more sense after hearing the actual music, but I will try to break it down for you. Roughly speaking - take one portion prog rock (or neo-prog if you want), add one touch of some light prog metal, a few ambient elements and we have the basics. On top, we have very present atmospheric keyboards with soft, clean mid-ranged vocals. If we talk band comparisons, there really aren't any, as Virtuality has its very own distinctive sound. Although, I can hear small elements of Ayreon, Mystery (the Canadian band), Rush and Arena. 8 of the 12 songs are instrumentals. Although I find the songs with vocals to be stronger, some of the instrumentals are equally good as well. The melodies are very melodic and the atmospheric elements make them comfortable to listen to. In the end I feel that the CD would have profited by replacing a couple of instrumentals with vocal tracks. The production is clean and each instrument is very present in the mix. I am extremely impressed just thinking of all the time, energy, thought and creativity put into this product, but at the same time I am relieved that it has paid off. Virtuality has become a completely professional product and has more to offer than just the music. As for the music itself, I am sure prog fans will find plenty to enjoy here. Absolutely worth checking out! PPO Rating: 8/10 [This review originally appeared at the ProgPower Online review site; see also Steph's and Bjørnar's review -ed.] More about Virtuality: Track Listing: Upon The Frontiers Of Infinite Night / Virtuality / The Human: Machine / A Season Of Fire 1. The Crimson Strain 2. Redstorm Rising / Attillon Sunrise / Re-Define / The Dreaming Eye 1. Architects Of The Divine 2. The Heart of Mind / Sometime After Midnight / The Promise Of Truth / Shores Of A Cosmic Ocean / Infinity Burns / Sorrow In A World Of Darkness 1. Solitude 2. The Tempest 3. The Heart Of Darkness 4. Introspection Musicians: Contact: Website: www.theambientmind.com Discography
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