SOIL FESTIVITIES

After Vangelis had finished his foray into a more popular and accessible style through the early 80's, he came to the conclusion that he didn't have to necessarily always make his albums accessible. His output during this time included the "Chariots of Fire" soundtrack, work with Jon Anderson (as Jon & Vangelis) and a few more accessible solo albums. However, this wasn't giving him the satisfaction he needed as far as his compositional and improvisational style called for. So, in 1984, he returned to his more experimental style and he started this new phase with the album "Soil Festivities".

This album is probably one of his most progressive albums in quite a while, and it is a pleasure to hear him return to this form. Vangelis moves away from his most recognizable style of melodic tracks to a more improvisational style based upon nature, specifically as seen through the eyes of "life in miniature". Before you think that this seems like a new age type of recording, think again. This one is much more hypnotic and experimental in nature, the first side being jubilant and the second side much darker and sinister sounding. But overall, he leaves behind structure for the most part and becomes more experimental and going wherever the music takes him, but based upon a concept.

Movement 1 - Opens with a thunder crash and the sound of rain. In the background, we hear a single repeated note that sounds like it could signify a steady drip, drip, drip that continues while improvised synths play over the top with some nice harmonies. The overall feeling of the track is playful and joyous, a celebration of life in the world. Though there doesn't seem to be a strong melody in this very long track (over 18 minutes), the synths are still song-like and almost seem like short structured passages at times. The percussion is sometimes complex, never really following a pattern and the bass is quite captivating and really stands out at times. There are many sounds and timbres going on throughout the track. Surprisingly enough, it never gets dull, but instead, with the steady "dripping" tone in the background, can be quite hypnotizing. The last part of the track is calmer surrounded by thunder crashes and sparkling keys.

Movement 2 - This one is more tranquil feeling with a two tone, repeating motif in the background that changes with the chord/key changes that are directed by a lovely synth. This time, the music is more melodic, though the melody is probably improvised. The first part is accented by high notes which later is replaced by lower string effects later, almost feeling like the action from the first movement is coming to rest and dusk is approaching.

Movement 3 - In contrast to the first 2 movements, this one is quite a bit darker and seemingly discordant, probably representing the harshness of nature. There is quite a bit of chaos and menacing sounds making the scene seem violent and unpredictable. Once again, there is no real melody here as there has been in the more accessible Vangelis albums. Instead it is dramatic, a bit noisy and dissonant at times, though it also resolves for short spaces only to turn sinister again. The end of the movement does have a feeling of victory, however.

Movement 4 - Slow and pensive, this one rolls along based off of a three note cadence that persists throughout the track while a minimal synth plays over the top and occasional thumping percussion rumbles sounding like far off explosions. This keeps the overall dark timbre of the previous track, but much less chaotic, however there is still a sense of danger in the air with the suspense generated from the synths and keys.

Movement 5 - This track is probably the most improvisational of the album as tempos are always shifting, the percussion is more unpredictable (almost symphonic in style), and styles and moods constantly shift from happy to dark, melodic to chaotic. This is one of his most progressive tracks in his discography.

I really find this album to be one of my favorites in Vangelis' works. It seems that he has a lot more say in where he wanted this album to go, and since it is mostly improvised, it seems like it is more from the heart and less like the formulaic albums that he had been producing previous to this. I have always liked his style but there have been some weak albums in his past. This is not one of them. If you aren't familiar with the improvisational Vangelis, then you should probably give this album a chance. I think "Soil Festivities" is one that is meant more for the music lovers that like their music unpredictable and complex, not based off of melodies.