TR3S LUNAS

"Tr3s Lunas" came out some ~15 years before I gave it a chance. Low ratings and general lack of interest for Phase 4 Oldfield ("Guitars" to "Music of the Spheres" in my book) held me back for so long. I knew what to expect, so that's a third reason.

But once I tried it I came to a conclusion: this is not bad, it's just plain.

Oldfield chose a very safe route. "Tr3s Lunas" is soothing, very modest in melodies, without radical tempo changes or unusual rhythms. Elegant, but minimalistic piano is as much of a driving force as the guitar, synthesizers ooze with atmospheric textures, sporadical vocals serve as another instrument.

I described most of the following "Light + Shade" in a similar manner, but honestly these albums sound very much alike. The differences? Well, "Lunas" are more successful in chillout department. Emulated saxophone is more prominent, atmosphere sometimes gets "Blue Velvet hazy" and intimate. "Light + Shade" tried to couple two contrasting worlds of emotions with mixed results; here Oldfield more often shoots for nocturnal soundscape. Certainly, there are exceptions to that rule, such as naive "To Be Free" or earthy "Turtle Island". There are some traces of sci-fi inspirations too, my favorite being "Return to the Origin" and "Sirius". These two are highlights, hands down.

Unfortunately majority is far from memorable. As everyone said before, this album lies somewhere between soundtrack and elevator music. It won't do you no harm, but what's the replay value? Will you ever hum a single tune from "Lunas"?

Chances are slim.

To drive "Light + Shade" comparisons home, I'll say the following album had more of an embarrassing filler, but also more heartwarming moments. In the same time I appreciate "Tr3s Lunas" for focusing on atmosphere instead of forced emotions. You should try "Misty", "No Mans Land" or tracks I mentioned before to see if you have a taste for sixty minutes of this. "Thou Art in Heaven" does a good job as well.

The day I'm writing this review is kind of fitting for "Tr3s Lunas". Chilly, overcast, frequent rainstorms - relief from July's heat. But even on a best day, "Lunas" are just a pleasing, chilled out, creativity inducing background music.

We demand more! Two stars.

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