David Motion - Neo-Classic
If you have ever watched the 1992 flick ‘Orlando’, or been made to study it at University like some of us, you may recall the musical ability present from David Motion. His new release, ‘Neo-Classic’ brings forth some more expressive and very inspirational musical sounds.
The press release describes this record as an album “…that strikes comparison to the repetitive style and structure of composer Philip Glass, the ambient dance works of Boards of Canada and latter period Eno;” that was enough to confuse me! With his roots in pop, think of this album as a mix of this genre with a more classical style, with a unique side. Keep in mind that Motion describes the type of music he is writing, as he named the album - Neo-Classic.
The tracks rely solely on music on this album, as vocals are all but a memory. Listening to this album could be like listening to the Snowman repetitively with its creative, atmospheric and visionary sounds. Through the titles of the tracks and the sounds accompanying them, images and emotions are suspended in your mind like a silent film rather than having to interpret and understand some metaphoric lyrics. Sometimes, the titles can influence a listener over the visions and so forth that they are imagining. One example of this is ‘Twin Towers’ with its deep and strengthening strings to a sharp climax before dramatically dropping very low.
The majority of sound expressed on the album is through a variety of brass and stringed instruments; ‘Haste To The Wedding’ has dominant trumpets. However, chimes and bells can also be heard a number of times through the album's entirety; these tend to sway a listener to a more magical direction. What I find appealing about this record is that there are times when a different layer holds a new and stimulating side to a speechless story; ‘Idle Green’ is just one example of this at work. As the elements are piled on, emotions run at a variety of levels. ‘Call To Charms’ with its offers a rise on anger, the intense strings on ‘Cirrus’ supply suspense and ‘Hands’ creates a rather sad feeling. On the other hand, ‘View Of Hills’ is slightly bubblier with its tingle of chimes.
If you are looking for something a little less funky and a little more rounded over the festive season, this is an album to pay attention to. With its compositions of breathtaking tracks, this album needs recognition for its visions and motivating ways offered up on a plate to its listeners.