THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN

Sunrise Auranaut

Sunrise Auranaut is the studio-project moniker of Russian multi-instrumentalist/composer Vitaly Kiselev, here joined by Alexander Malakhov on synthesizers, and drummer Ilya Blinov. "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" is the sixth full-length release by Sunrise Auranaut, the third on the Rock Company label.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

The music is presented in instrumental vignettes, for a total running time of 51 minutes, 11 seconds. Samuel Langhorne Clemens, or Mark Twain, wrote what is considered as one of the great American novels, literature that some say broke ground in children's literature, use of vernacular, and frank discussion about controversial subjects.

This album refers in its titles to sections of Twain's book, and its clear much work and thought were put into utilizing the book as inspiration.

The Music

There's undeniable musical mastery on display in this album. The compositions show ingenuity, a cinematic sweep, and sophistication throughout.

Many moods, textures, and moods are musically, imaginatively presented, through playful synths, multiple layers of keyboards, treated electric and clean acoustic guitars, and tastefully supplemented by Ilya's drumming.

I thought I detected hints of folk songs and carnival tunes along with the rich, sometimes symphonic, intricate classically-inspired passages. Melodicism and lyrical sweep are strengths.

Don't Get Comfortable

It might be tempting to relax and sit back as one theme is introduced, but wait! There's more.

Tempos will change. Atmospheres will shift. This acoustic piano passage will give way to flowing organ, only to move into ragtime.

And All Done with Verve

Yes, undeniable musical mastery, with all the components of a musical masterpiece, all of it instrumental.

Yet Here's the Thing

For me, I kept wishing these uber-talented musicians would have pushed on through these vignettes, linking them musically, making of them a whole masterwork.

The vignettes while excellent, soon became distracting, as one would end, and another begin. It seemed choppy. I certainly enjoyed it, and can recommend it.

Yet while it's rafting on a river of music, for me there were too many jolting stops and starts. My rating: 3.5/5 lyrical lines.