JOURNEY TO DEVOTION

It may be saying something that the worst criticism I can give to this album is that the band's name doesn't match their sound. With a name like Orchestra Panica, I would expect a lot more chaos in the sound. This is more like Orchestra Placido.

Each track begins with minimalistic looped rhythms, with the music building very very slowly to a crescendo. On two tracks the crescendos reach an energetic peak, but for the most part, it builds from the opening, but the intensity does not increase much.

However, the effect is mesmerizing. Particularly, the guitar solos can just carry you away. I also enjoy the subtle trumpet playing of Michele Falotico. It is reminiscent of Chris Botti's playing with Bruford & Levin's Upper Extremities (before he became a pop classical darling).