| “Action at a Distance” by The Hobliminal Ibloid |
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| Sound - Music Reviews |
| Written by Beth "Witchskate" Kelley |
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When I saw electronic, I was a bit worried. A lot of musicians tend to over use all the little bells and whistles which are available on today’s keyboards. Hob does not. He has carefully thought about the placement of each note, phrase, and beat. It is complex, yet simple. The layering of each of the sounds is perfection in the making. His use of effects also is not overpowering . One of the more beautiful songs on the CD is “Lost and Found”. It has a dreamy quality that lets you drift away. It feels like your spirit is flying overtop of mountains and out to the sea with a freedom not known in our mundane earthly bodies. There is a lightness to this song which kept me in the moment. This is one song which I kept hitting replay. I could listen to this song many many times and not grow tired, it is refreshing. “Trust”, invigorating. He starts with a simple chord progression and creates a beautifully constructed arrangement. There is no overkill with the layering that is so common. Each sound in this song is in an exact place to convey the meaning. The ways he changes upon and enhances the bridge part shows he is extremely talented and knows when even one extra layer would be too much and can stop himself. Even though “Trust” is not really a dance tune, it still had me moving in my seat. Listening to “City Beat” with my headphones on, I am loving the pan and fade effects used. I can hear the Robin Trower influences in this song. Ok, so this is another replay song! It is not easy to get on my replay list, but so far 2 out of 5 songs are on this list! From “City Beat” to “Red Paint”, a song about a night on the town, is like going from the excitement of the city to actually arriving and having your fun times. This is a faster paced song which keeps you going as you enjoy your sojourn through town. There is nothing sweeter than a song written for the birth of one’s own child. In his other songs you can hear Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, etc. In this piece, it reminds me of David Arkenstone and Gary Stadler. “Lullaby” is precisely as the name states. After a night on the town, one needs to relax and unwind before sleepy time. This is the song. A beautiful arrangement, one his child will be proud to know was written for them. Let’s continue into your dreams with “Dreamscape”. The ebb and flow goes on. The many different shades in this song are varied. Deep and subtle on lower ranges , light and sparkly on the upper ranges. This is a great meditation piece. It is not your slow boring meditation type song. This will touch each of your seven chakras and reenergize them and relax them. It is like a massage for your soul. “Sunshine” is a light hearted song. Another excellent song that makes you feel great once you have heard it. What a great tribute to your brother-in-law! “Believe” has more of the new age rock in it. I really enjoy this song. Shadows of Deep Purple, The Who, and Robin Trower appear, yet Hob remains true to his own sound. “Gliding” is a smooth easy going tune. I can sit back and imagine myself gliding around some moonbeams looking for a star to land on. Again, less is more. He did not overuse effects--he is quite wise when it comes to that. For that I thank him! The final song of the CD is “Action at a Distance”. He combines the best of those who have influenced him from his past into one song. Let’s see, how many can you pick out? I hear many Rock and New Age influences myself. Another masterful creation, bringing past and present together. Let us hope this is a sign of the future in that we can expect much more awesome and inspiring songs! I love the way Hob has both created and constructed this Action at a Distance CD. Melodically entrancing, spiritually energizing, and mentally meditative. The order of songs on a CD can be just as important as the individual songs. If Hob had rearranged the song order, it would not have had the same effect. Each song can stand on its own, but combined perfectly on this CD it creates its own reality. One song flows into another. Like the hands of a clock, he takes you through daytime and night time. Through life stages, and through musical stages. Each continual day into night, season to season. I have to say: Expect the Unexpected! This is a enthralling CD from start to finish. I was more than delighted listening to the songs. Hob took me right into the heart of his life and events in it and on a most beautiful and bright journey. I highly recommend Action at a Distance! It is not easy to make one’s way in the music business, but Hob should be right up there with the best of them!! Overall Rating: Most definitely 5 out of 5 pentagrams. Review by Beth "Witchskate" Kelley Pagan Radio Network |
Comments
Glad you liked it as much as I did.
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