Here is the latest ESP Project release, Silver Waves - Astral Dreams. Written and performed by multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer Tony Lowe in collaboration with singer/songwriter Louise Browne, it takes the listener on a gorgeous, sonic adventure. Other musicians throughout include Steve Gee (bass), Paul Simon (percussion) and Cheryl Stringall (keyboards) all of which bring the music to life. Cheryl has also crafted the album artwork, which really fits the energy of the album. Dreamy and vibrant at the forefront, yet somewhat moody and mysterious in the background. I just love the contrast and it really connects with the soul of the music. This is my third ESP Project review, so let's see how these eight new songs stand up to their previous releases. Album opener, Curious Dreamer - The Dreaming Field sounds huge with its tribal rhythms and sweeping keys. Pipping just past the eight minute mark, this certainly wets the listeners appetite for progged-fueled escapism. It's essentially a song of two halves with Louise's beautiful and gentle vocals complimenting the airy and anthemic atmosphere of the first half. What a voice! The second half takes a turn into a more new-age-dance direction and I am all for that. The latter section also allows room for both guitars and keyboards to flex their musical muscles in delightfully playful fashion. Aren't we all just curious dreamers at the end of the day? Silver Waves continues in the same vein. Tony's guitar really does sing on this one, adding sumptuous colour throughout - it's something ESP Project do so well. Lyrics such as, "And then I realise, I'm floating right across the sky, shining lakes and rivers, bathed in moonlight, everything feels alright" bring to mind the spirit of Mostly Autumn and that is always a great thing in my book. This release is much more vocal driven than its predecessor and this really works well with the feel of the music. It's not like ESP Project have shied away from using vocals on previous albums, far from it, but by having Louise's presence on here, it adds another rich layer of emotion to the songs. Every vocal line and instrument have their place and nothing feels overdone or unnecessary. Glorious Persuasion continues our journey in style, subtle, but catchy. You can't help yourself but sit back, relax and let this wave of beautiful sound wash over you. The vocals overall, but especially here, are a stand-out for me. Once again the song has two parts, starting off calm and ending with that beautiful energy which is a feature point across the album. Certainly one of my favourites. Check out the visually enticing video for this song. Next up we have the centre piece of the album, High Inspiration - It Wasn't A Dream, which flips things on its head with an uptempo, poppy energy to start things off before bringing things down around the halfway mark. It's the longest song on the album, but you wouldn't know it. It just draws you in with its magic and grips you. Paul's drumming on this one really gives it that rhythmic pulse. "Nothing in this world would hold us down". Tony knows how to craft sophisticated music - just take a look at that CV. Now, we all know that the ESP Project name is a sign of quality, regardless of its musical direction, yet 2022's Anarchic Curves (see review) didn't quite click with me. However, this release really hits the spot. The feel is different and I believe the songs are much stronger. Both the style and energy speak to me in a way that one didn't. Next, the spiritual ambience of Shine whisks us off into the stars. The opening section of this song is brilliant with it's moody and mysterious noodlings, creating an epic soundscape. The Brightest Star is one of the dreamier numbers on offer. Louise's voice just makes you drift off into a calm space and forget about your worries. It's one of the more straightforward numbers on offer with no real tangents to speak of, but loses none of the emotion by keeping things simple. It's nice to have the transition from this into the shortest song here which is instrumental, Life Pod. It immediately shimmers with vibrant, hypnotic, electronic swirls, making me want to shake my bones. The drums are locked in, Steve's bass playing is funky and I'm just in love with the keyboards and string pads on this one - there's just something really expressive and full of life about them. The last track on the album, Love Returns, fits perfectly at this point in our journey. It's certainly a gorgeous one and packs an emotional punch. Dusk lit keyboards and vocals start us off before more elements kick in. The rhythm holds everything tightly together, as Tony's guitar sings sweetly and Louise's voice sounds better and better with every listen. Surely there can never be too much love in this world and the consistency of such quality music only adds to it. "When love returns, there'll be an answer, when love returns, we'll know the truth". My favourite song on the album at the time of writing. It's a lovingly crafted album that simply glows in glorious musical light. Sadly it escaped my top ten of 2024, but surely it deserves an honourable mention. I feel this is one of their strongest releases yet, challenging reverie' as my favourite so far. You must give this tasteful selection of life affirming music a listen. Whatever will they do next? I can't wait to hear. ****+ Rickalonius Monk Where to buy? |
