IMAGES OF FLUTE IN NATURE

A very pleasant listen, lushly electronic, pastoral, ethnic acoustic, experimental, very melodic, somewhat psychedelic, and sometimes rhythmic. The album recalls 'Celestial Ocean', the last album of Vandroogenbroeck's earlier project Brainticket, though its sound is even further removed from rock, much mellower, and less overtly psychedelic or electronic. It is much more similar to the Brainticket work of 1980/82, though somewhat less experimental, warmer, more pastoral, and easier to get into. Its also more melodic. Flute predominates mostly on the album, backed by a variety of synth sounds and textures, as well as other instruments at times. There are no vocals on the album.

"Great Valley" reminds me of "Cosmic Wind" from 'Celestial Ocean' and it uses the same primary instruments, though it is smoother and more relaxed. "Magic Adventure" is an upbeat lengthy composition in a similar vein but filled with electronic sounds and instruments. Both of these tracks are great. I like "Forest Spirit" and "Hobbits" a lot too. The song titles seem very appropriate to me for the music. The last three songs are by far the weakest on the album, but still enjoyable.

This is the first of Joel's solo albums and from what i've heard is my favorite, but I have a lot of listening to do. Very enjoyable, relaxing, meditative, exploratory, reflective and beautiful. Recommended.

4 stars