16th February 2013
First of all, big thanks to John, one of the driving forces behind wonderful Relaxed Machinery community, who has pointed me to Chronotope Project few months ago. I was immediately impressed by this, in Eugene, Oregon, based project, stared by Jeffrey Ericson Allen, who is a truly gifted composer, cellist and ambient sound sculptor. “Chrysalis”, a follow up to Chronotope Project’s debut “Solar Winds” (self-released during May 2012) was originally released as download version at the beginning of October 2012, on Relaxed Machinery label, but the CDr edition came out one month later. The album kicks off with 13-minute track title “Chrysalis”. Gently bubbling sounds are cleverly merged with warmly tinkling embellishments and other softly invading fragments, all surrounded by hauntingly celestial blankets. Gorgeously swirling, chiming and soaring with unmeasurable grace, shimmering beauty and balmy melodies. Yes, the mixture of sensitive tribals, ear-catching transitions and soothingly hypnotic zones is absolutely splendid, a true masterpiece igniting this luxurious journey!!! The next piece, “L’Avenue Du Ciel”, in English “Avenue Of The Sky”, unfolds with gorgeous abyssal drone, which is soon transformed into beautifully evocative panoramas, masterfully flavored by nostalgic bansuri flute cloudscapes and cinematic clarinet-like notes. Later on gentle tribal beats take the lead along with chill-out downtempos, glowing swirls and tranquil liquid sounds. Nostalgic woodwind wizardry again excels towards the end. Richly colorful and deeply visualizing composition, and precisely titled too!!! “Trance-Missions”, a long-form number, clocking to 25 and half minutes, smoothly cascades through various, stunningly entertaining alleys, where sublimely poignant atmospheres are altering with gradually expanding and freshly joyous sequences. Always warmly heartening and thoroughly mesmerizing!!! “Reflecting Pool” is invaded by eerie cavernous atmozones, soon veering into spellbindingly reflective stillness virtuosically bridged with peaceful tinkles and heartwarming harp-like strings, all quietly enveloped by watery field recordings. This is utterly contemplative and wide-screen dreamscape, constantly filled with blissful listening experience. Sheer beauty and splendor!!! “Eternity’s Sunrise” melts angelic choir-like and gliding washes with yearning and ethereal crystalline strings, again expressively enriched by harmoniously alluring midtempo melodies. The final part traverses through calmer paths and fades away embraced by enchanting drifts and cheerfully poetic harp magic. A jaw-dropping finale!!! “Chrysalis” is a brilliant album, a true masterwork displaying giant potential and refined musicianship by its solo protagonist. Yes, to me, Chronotope Project is undoubtedly one of the revelations of 2012!!! And hugely ambitious addition to talented gang of Relaxed Machinery. And there is still a lot more to come, because Jeffrey is working on new material for this year’s release, so I will eagerly keep an ear to this distinctive ambient terrain…
Source – http://www.hypnos.com/smf/index.php?topic=5777.0