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 | Open Canvas:Nomadic Impressions (Waveform - 1998) If you can't get enough Middle Eastern influences in your ambient/electronic sounds, then you'll want to usher Nomadic Impressions into your personal oasis. Open Canvas is Gregory Kyryluk (who also creates as Alpha Wave Movement on other occasions). Here he infuses contemporary synth-based electronics with flavors from ancient desert cultures. |
| Lively percussion leads the way Into the Great valley; a rising electronic chorus mingles with sounds both ancient and modern in this shortest (4:25) piece.
Quietly simmering with a latent power, Haj (sacred journey) is underscored by a deep and sinuous flow of bass and overlain by shimmers, light beats and sparse, sustained piano notes.
The strings, cymbals and electric drone which open Dark Sun are soon pounded, but not into submission, by overt electro beats. These elements continue to swirl with sitar accompaniment.
Chirping birdies inhabit the Ancient Shadows where xylophone, electronic hums and strings are pushed gently along by tribal rhythms. This long (8:32) track develops a more modern feel as cymbals and synth punctuate the sweltering atmosphere. Transmuted bell tones ring above Citadels and Minarets; while below, a resonant synth chord shifts and turns. Regional strings cut through a growing haze, as does a bit of bamboo percussion. A kalimba-like pattern propels rich, swelling synthesizer waves down the Nile (lifewaters). Ethnic stringed instruments provide a flavorful twang to the serene proceedings. A low drone opens Muezzin Meditation and slow, deep beats add structure to the otherwise amorphous shift of sound. The Middle Eastern instrumentation of Full Moon Dervish is energized by a burbling bass riff and beats, though still retaining a fairly low-key persona. Soft, somber layers of synth rise and fall on the winds that blow over the White Dunes. Distant drumming is intermixed with sleepy synth riffs and cymbal swooshes for an effect that seems to signify the coming of twilight to the desert world... a beautiful ending.
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| Achieving a nice blend of styles, Open Canvas provides an ambient/electronic journey with Nomadic Impressions. These tracks maintain a fairly steady balance of electronics and ethnic flavorings, never venturing too far to either side. Nicely done; my thumb is raised. |  |
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