Customer Reviews

Aquaria: A Liquid Blue Trancescape

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you are expecting something similar to Paul Oakenfold or DJ Irene, look elsewhere. This a mostly sedentary work, consisting largely of vocal washes imposed over moderate beats; in other words, it lacks the drive and rhythm of most trance-oriented works, but it does retain the genre's style and sensibilities, albeit at a much reduced pace. If anything, it resembles the efforts of Enya more than it does trance. This isn't music to dance to; rather, it is best suited as background or as accompaniment for activities such as reading or crafts. As a trance album, this may disappoint fans of that musical type. But for those seeking a good tonic for relaxation or sedentary activities, this will work just fine.

I bought this recording after hearing a few tracks while browsing in a Nature's Gifts store. The proprietor kept a small collection of recordings way in the back of the store. They were mostly off-mainstream works that would appeal to eclectics. So, naturally, he caught me.

As this recording ages in my library, I find myself revisiting it regularly. The regular rhythm track over-washed with vocals and synths is soothing. I often listen to Aquaria before I drift off to sleep. The rhythms and synths help calm my thoughts. I also like Aquaria as background when I'm doing something that does not require quiet.

I'm not a hard-core trance listener and I suspect that Aquaria is much toned down from the intensity sought by trance-dancers. I would place this recording in the New Age genre. So, be forewarned--this is not trance music.

The cynic in me wants to demean the "This is the voice of Aquaria, this is the voice of the sea" mantra. Had these words been spoken in another language they would blend into the music and add to the overall effect. The vocals might bother some listeners (as the one reviewer mentioned that the vocals sound "silly"); they don't bother me. But again be forewarned that the vocals might not work for you.

The production quality is first rate. I listen carefully and I can't hear any mistakes in the recording or engineering.

Aquaria works for me. The work is substantially different from most of what I listen to and is a wonderful respite from more mainstream works. I like Arkenstone's musical ideas, the expression thereof, and the vocals don't bother me. Aquaria is gentle trance music.

If you stumbled onto this page by mistake, take a closer look. This album is FANTASTIC. With an Angelic voice and masterful audio crafting, Diane is breaking new ground. Following in the footsteps of her husband, Diane may well surpass David. At the very least, she walks by his side. Do not pass up this Master Works. Also look at David's Works... Shaman, Goddess, Faeries and Dream Palace under the name Troika. All Digital Heaven mixed with classic instrumentals!

I picked up a used copy of this CD on a whim last fall sometime, before I was familiar with either Arkenstone. I thought I'd heard of the name, and the title sounded nice, so I bought it. Since then I've barely been able to take this out of my stereo! It's some of the most soothing, relaxing music I've ever heard - I put it on softly sometimes when I'm having trouble sleeping. I'm very much looking forward to purchasing some of her other CD's, and very highly recommend this one!

WOW!!... I love this CD! A must buy. This is the type of relaxing music that you cannot get tired of. This music represents a new definition in new age music. Smooth up beat rhythms and melodies provide the perfect balance to calm yet energize you at the same time. Simply Incredible.

Can't get enough of this cd Aquaria. I love it and have sometimes kept playing it all day long repeatedly. I love New Age Jazz, and this cd indeed takes me to another realm of listening pleasure in New Age melodies.

As a general rule, I don't care for trance music, but when I saw it in the library I thought "Hey, it's Arkenstone so I'll give it a chance." I found it to be a nice ambient music without going too far with the trance rhythms.

I love the music! I heard it at an airport and the following day ordered it on Amazon.com. It's so pleasurable listening to this CD.

I love Diane Arkenstone. Jewel in the Sun and The Healing Spirit are beautiful, intriguing and different. This one, however, is "Okay". It's okay for background music. It tries a little too hard. She appears to be experimenting with electronic equipment. I Love Enigma, and that's what this seems to have a lot of. It seems to be heavily evoking Enigma-like elements. If you have to choose, buy her other works. This one has a few moments of really good stuff. But mostly is trying too hard to be something it isn't.

There are enoughs words to describe this CD.

WONDERFUL

The best experience, a great journey of layered voices mysterious instruments and sounds of deep waters, GREAT

A truly piece of art