Resonant Drift - Passages Mp3

Resonant Drift "Passages" CD

Bill Olien and Gary Johnson return after two years with their long awaited 5th full length album "Passages". Since 2008, when Gary joined Bill, Resonant Drift took slightly different direction that was already apparent on previous "The Call" album. "Passages" opens mysteriously with "Summons", but very soon this composition turns into more dynamic tune with its rhythmed tribal ambience, nice intro. With "Departure" this Californian duo is heading into some beautifully tranquil orchestral space washes nicely enriched by warm and nostalgic strings, very evocative and relaxing piece. "At First Threshold" with organic and environmental sounds moves to more deeper and mysterious terrains. It's evident that Resonant Drift delivers on "Passages" quite varied, but complex mixture of sounds and moods. "The Task" keeps on spookier tense path, even if some kind of exotic bird calls can be heard here and there. Next two compositions, "Initiation" and "Seeing Through The Veil", go back towards more sentimental cinematic feel while the next one, "Beyond The Vision", transports us into the panoramic desert sceneries with all its graciousness. "Crossing The Threshold" explores again the organic flavours with all kinds of eclectic natural sounds, mostly centered around some buzz that might be bullroarer. With shorter "Two Worlds" we are again diving deeper into very quiet and calm desert soundworlds that lead us into the longer epilogue "Transformation" and to the deeper end of pure drifting atmospheric bliss. This last piece was mixed together with Steve Roach, who is also responsible for mastering job and sonic enhancements, just like on "The Call". Yes, Bill and Gary explore with all their craft many "Passages" on this album, but all of them compactly work together, so I am absolutely impressed by this intense, immersing and imaginative traveling!!!

Richard Gürtler (Apr 17, 2011, Bratislava, Slovakia)