GRAVEYARD MOUNTAIN HOME

"Graveyard Mountain Home" is the third full-length studio album by US ambient/atmospheric pop/rock artist Chroma Key. The album was released through InsideOut Music in November 2004. The same year as main man behind Chroma Key, Kevin Moore had also earlier in the year released two albums under his own name. It´s the first Chroma Key album since the release of "You Go Now" from 2000, but Moore had kept busy writing and recording the first OSI album during 2002-2003 titled "Office of Strategic Influence" (released through InsideOut Music in February 2003), so it was indded busy years for Moore.

Stylistically "Graveyard Mountain Home" continues the ambient/atmospheric pop/rock style of the preceding Chroma Key releases. Predominantly instrumental music using samples and effects to create melancholic atmospheres rather than vocals. There are sporadic effect laden vocals on the album, but they are often low in the mix and very subtle, adding texture to the tracks rather than dominating them with lead melodies. I´m somtimes reminded of post-rock like Tortoise, although Chroma Key aren´t as rock oriented. It´s slow, introvert, and thougthful music, which works just as well as pleasant background music, as it works as music that you spend a little more time analyzing.

The album subtitle: "In his loneliness and out of his longing, an idea occurred to Andrew. if he could fix his mother´s radio, perhaps he could bring her back to life" perfectly fits the generally melancholic and longing atmosphere of the album and almost tells the story of how this album sounds better than any reviewer´s words can ever do. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives).