Reviewed by Samuel Parker

'A' is the first of three instrumental concept albums to be released in 2013 from The Neon Ambience, a project conceived by producer Trevor Michael and worship leader Ian Yates. Focusing on creating their own take on original contemporary ambient music, 'A' focuses on setting moods and atmospheres to music with nine tracks based on a different biblical word, all beginning with the letter A. From the opening track "Annunciation" all the way through to "Agape," they produce soundscapes using a sonic palette of acoustic, electronic and ambient sounds to best represent each word in a musical form. Admittedly I was initially sceptical as to the extent in which they could successfully achieve this, however, I was pleasantly surprised as I repeatedly listened to each track; each time more able to identify with each individual soundscape. "Awakening" and "Agape" are particularly effective with the evolving synths and the sliding electric guitar hooks in "Awakening" providing a strong sense of emergence from a state of grogginess, whilst the warmth of the string section in "Agape" does well to embrace you, the listener, in representing this form of love. All in all 'A' is almost the perfect accompaniment for relaxation, prayer, and/or meditation, but falls marginally short in its lack of clear distinction between each track. Nonetheless, I am intrigued to hear what will come in the form of the second instalment of this fascinating project.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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