Customer Reviews

Elevations

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

 

 

Over the past decade Norwegian composer/producer Erik Wollo has specialized in guitar-based ambient music, releasing a dozen introspective albums that work equally well as unobtrusive background music, or for the more adventurous as the subject of devoted listening. His newest release, Elevations, is a further exploration of this aural landscape, 12 original compositions organized around a central theme developed over three tracks.

The recurrent motif is the Odyssey, presented in three incarnations: Blue, Red and Green. Each of the compositions starts with a subdued wash of synthesizer, to which are added keyboard fills, sound effects, and rhythm, before the statement of a simple melody, played in Blue and Green on the synthesizer, and in Red on the guitar. Once the melody ends, the effects drop out one by one until the compositions end where they began.

Spaced evenly throughout the cd, the Odesseys are interspersed with mostly quieter songs following the same pattern, a kind of aural mountainscape, with gentle slopes on either side of a towering peak.

Elevations is a complete one-man show, with Wollo playing guitars, synthesizers, percussion, as well as programming and producing. Those who appreciate the work Jon Jenkins, Patrick O'Hearn, or Steve Roach will find much to enjoy in Erik Wollo's spacious sound.

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I'm new to Erik's music and have only heard this album and Gateway so I can't really compare this to his earlier work but I find this to be some of the most beautiful guitar-based ambient music I've ever heard. There are slower, more ambient songs and some that have percussion and slow moving rhythms. Some reviewer said it's boring but I disagree, this is fantastic music that is great for relaxing, meditation, painting/drawing, writing, hiking, etc.

It may not be everyone's cup of tea but I'm inspired by it!

A most pleasant musical experience...not too sappy...kind of more to the Jon Jenkins type of musical mode....not as "heavy" as Steve Roach's ambient soundscapes...though I do believe that Mr. Wollo & Mr. Roach benefit each other by collaborating their musical talents together......Anyway....a cd full of nice, soft relaxing "furniture music" to play in the background when having guests over for a dinner party or when you just want to unwind after a stressful day on the job. Mr. Wollo is a master of ambient guitar.

One of Wollo's milder albums. (His music is already mild to begin with) Too boring for me, but good for falling asleep on, and background music. This album reminds me a lot of his earlier album, "Emotioinal Landscapes." It seems that every other of his albums nowadays, are too mild.