Customer Reviews

Continuum

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David Wright is a British composer of electronic music. He has many CDs to his credit, among the better know are Walking with Ghosts and ThreeSixZero.

Continuum was released in June of 2004. The idea of the CD was to contrast dark against light in alternating works. This is achieved expertly here and presents the listener with some very innovative electronic soundscapes.

The works are composed on various makes of keyboards and synthesizers, which dominate the work. There are voice and guitar samplings. The work is "space music", but it is so much more. There are 5 tracks with a total playing time of over 77 minutes.

The first track Dark Matter is one of the "dark" compositions, very spacey, with sampled voice and guitar. It is a brooding selection, with the voice samplings giving it a soulful cry. There is an up beat mixed into this piece which compliments and provides lift so the piece does not become depressing. There is a changeover about three quarters of the way through that gives a momentary pause for reflection, and the piece then continues as before. Very expertly composed, this is an interesting work that I found was worth repeating to appreciate the nuances offered by the artist.

The second track Continuum, is the title work and is one of the "lighter" compositions. It starts with a very "spacey" opening, breaking out into a light beat and a melody that is more airy than the previous work. The synth space soundscape is very defined here, but it is gentle, and lifts the listener, rather than projecting the listener into space. A very subtle and delightful composition, worthy of the title track.

Bridge of Souls returns to the brooding, darker mood of the work. It is filled with shadows, the beat is very subtle, and the sound suggests dark space. There are suggestions of melody that must be carefully listened for and will surprise the listener. An interesting composition, to say the least, and one that will also bear repeating.

We return to the light with Island of Flight with a more pronounced beat, samplings of voices suggesting a "space center" and a melody that is more uplifting and flows from soft and isolated to a more pronounced and backfilled work that is almost "orchestrated". A very lovely work that is expertly assembled.

The final composition Cassini is the longest work on the CD, but is also the lightest and the most delightful. It first appears to be a continuation of Island of Flight at times, recalling the "space center" voices, but it forms its own identity, tying in but remaining separate. It has a dancing base line, complimented with light keyboard work that floats over the well defined beat. There are samplings of other voices as well, which blend into the work and will surprise the listener. It breaks from itself occasionally, offering "contemplative moments" of a different mood, but it then reassembles to its original form. While still spacey, it provides lovely melodies and moments that bring this CD to a winning finish.

This CD was an enjoyable listening experience for me which begged repeating. The second listen through brought out the complexities of the work which were standing behind the surface waiting to be noticed. The compositions are beautiful, and do offer the listener a challenge, but can be taken at face value and still very much enjoyed.

I have to add that the cover art of this CD and the artwork inside the booklet are also worth looking at. The space conceptions are breathtaking, combined with the exceptional images. This brings the entire package into focus and is a very exceptional presentation.

If you are a fan of David Wright, or enjoy space music and are looking for something that is fulfilling as well as delightful to listen to, this CD is exactly what you are looking for. I do recommend this as an essential addition to your collection. maf

Once again David Wright shows just how versitile he is with this very different outing to the 2002 classic Walking with Ghosts. All the trademarks are there though, except the ethnic influences that usually pervade his music. That element is replaced by more than a passing nod to the great electronic pioneers of the past.
Yes, this is firmly in the realms of electronic music, harking back to David's early 90's ouput. Long impresionistic excursions that are all musically satisfying and contain oodles of atmopshere and some nice rhythmic passages. Hints of Vangelis and Tangereine Dream never detract from the originality and individuality of the musical ideas. Apart from a few NASA samples, a great female "Enya" type lead on track 1 and the gothic choir that comes in towards the end of the closing epic "Cassini", it's all great synth work from David Wright this time - (some great solos).
Well worth the money!!

if your're looking for beautiful "outerspace" music on the same level of Isao Tomita's Star Hustler or maybe even his rendition of "Claire De Lune", you just found it. David Wright produces very beautiful music.