Customer Reviews

Highways

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

 

 

An hour with Henry Frayne, creator of music under the band name Lanterna, is a little like an hour of exploring the ocean depths or the vast reaches of space. He creates sonic pictures of the mind with his lingering, layered electric guitar chords and atmospheric melodies. The leadoff track, "Clear Blue," is just the latest fine example of Mr. Frayne's instrumental art. It shimmers with a kind of subliminal beauty, made by echoing sustained guitar tones that could be described as "ambient," but are best appreciated without concern for category. The CD is called Highways, and listening to its nine tracks is indeed something like a journey along the back roads, sometimes in contemplation and sometimes in sheer enjoyment. On this fourth Lanterna disc, the trend continues (begun on the Sands CD) of mixing in more of a rock feeling with some of the songs. This time it's on the Metheny-esque "Brooklyn" and especially on "Brightness," which features some David Gilmour-like choppy electric guitar chords.

As much of a huge Lanterna fan as I am, I'm a little sad to hear some signs of stagnation on Highways. A song such as "Canyons," a gentle acoustic-electric number that never really goes anywhere, makes me wonder if Henry has taken this particular "instrumental themes" thing about as far as it'll go. I hope not, because I'm still prepared to travel along with him for awhile longer.

If you were dreaming and driving at night with someone you love, this album is what you would hear on the wind.

We've got access finally to a lot of independent, new music. This is a time to explore and if you're up for it, anything by Lanterna (Henry Frayne is the key individual) is worth the time and the money. Highways is the latest incarnation of this talented musician's sonic mind. I listen to Highways in the early morning and sometimes driving by myself at night. This is definitely music to listen to by yourself. It is music for the soul--jangly guitar, acoustic rhythms, textured drums, poetic vibrations, and ambient sounds...even an intentional few minutes of silence in there on the title track for those of us who pay attention--and a payoff afterwards...kind of an untitled new composition.

Word is that Lanterna's coming out with a new album sometime in the summer so pay attention. Highways is a great jumping point for the uninitiated though. Elm Street is still my favorite, but I'm really looking forward to the next edition. Stay tuned.

I had just recently discovered this, and the excellent "Sands" cd at a local independent seller, and how glad I am I did. The gorgeous photography on the covers initially caught my attention, as did the intriguing, simple titles. Like the photography, the music has a majestic yet understated quality--not corny or overblown, the songs on disc seem to gently creep into the listener's subconscious, and this album gets better with each listen. It's those essential contrasts--desolate yet hopeful, edgy yet accessible, that work so well here. Some moments are reminiscent of Lanois, Labradford, even U2's the Edge. On rare occasion, there is some singing, used as simply another instrument in the mix of moody, dusty, rustic atmospherics. Fortunately, this music doesn't fall into safe, New-Agey blandness, though I personally prefer a little more experimentation in music. Still, there's something to be said for music like this, frill-free and mature, confident to reside in a subltle, sonic universe. I certainly look forward to tracking down more from Laterna soon, after hearing this, and "Sands".

What sounds at first like it could be Lanterna's most effective work quickly subsides into all too familiar half-invested productions. For somebody so articulated in guitar tone, Frayne seldom does much more with his strumming finesse than plod along to the soundtrack of a predictable and unfulfilled travelogue.

I enjoy Laterna's music. Having said this, I must say that this isn't one of their better albums.

I heard that this was a great album and actually spent 24.00 on a used copy. Ofcourse, two weeks later it was $4.00.

The music isn't well synchronized, nor is there a flow to the pieces. Not worth the price I paid. Live and learn.

They have come a long way since this work came out.

one song is reminiscent of an instrumental version of All I want is you by U2... Can become repetitive over time...

Really amazing and soothing music, up until the last track. Can anyone explain the 4.5 minute gap after the first 4 minutes of Highways? I thought the CD was defective until I ordered a replacement and found it was the same. Without the last track this album deserves a 5.