David Helpling
'Sleeping on the Edge of the World
(Spotted Peccary Music SPM-0802 )

You may remember David Helpling's 1997 ambient masterpiece, "Between Green and Blue" which was a finalist for the 1997 "INDIE" award for New Age Album of the Year. Two years later he presents us with this expansive gem. 'Sleeping on the Edge of the World' . Helpling instantly brings one to a place of deep peace and centered relaxation, creating music that is extremely versatile and masterfully played. The album is a real tribute to the enduring character and irreplaceable sonic qualities of electronic instruments.

The voice of Kelly Caton Hurley is subtly interwoven into the musical fabric adding to the delicate atmospheric quality of the overall project. The compositional style represented here is a real marriage of harmony, rhythm and melody interlocking and becoming poetry in motion. It is a subtle and sultry blend of the unexpected and familiar.

'Sleeping on the Edge of the World' contains cinematic atmospheres and abstract rich textures, extremely detailed and organic. Its a collection of some of the most beautiful haunting music I've ever encountered, and possibly one of the most thought provoking and significant musical statements that the Spotted Peccary Music label has released to date. 'Sleeping on the Edge of the World' brims with possibilities for the future, pushing electronic synthesis and sample manipulation into forbidden lines of enquiry. Fans of Patrick O'Hearn will LOVE this album. Helpling creates timbres that instantly bring to mind the best work of O'Hearn and his trusty Oberheim expander.

In summary it is both urbane and evocative, a melodic, quietly enchanting body of work that is as touching as it is polished. Highly recommended.

Review by Ben Kettlewell

information:
website:
http://www.spottedpeccary.com
email:
info@spottedpeccary.com


BACK TO REVIEW DIRECTORY
Main Page | Features | News | Links | Musicians | MIDI


This site is copyrighted ®© AMP/Alternate Music Press, 1997-2024. All Rights Reserved.
Unauthorized duplication and distribution of copyrighted material violates Federal Law.