Ellis Hadlock - Splendor in Space
World, Easy Listening, Soundtrack
Arizona, United States
Overall Impression: Beautifully atmospheric and saturated in an abundance of absorbing textures and tones, "Splendor in Space" is one of those tracks that is so easy to get lost in with nothing but your thoughts and emotions. Ellis Hadlock has done a brilliant job of crafting a reflective and highly captivating soundscape that's filled with intrigue, and as the title so accurately suggests, plenty of splendor. Expansive synths and impassioned melodic motifs are combined with the excellent use of ethnic instrument choices that infuse the track's new age aesthetic with some delicate hints of broader world music influences, resulting in a rich and sonically intriguing piece of instrumental music that is continually evolving throughout its duration. Ellis's clearly well-defined musical identity is on full display here and with its strong performances and highly melodious nature, "Splendor in Space" is a joy to experience.
Strongest Point(s): The delay that's been applied to the piano really helps add to the piano's character, the way in which the notes fall on different beats of the measure helps create some extremely interesting rhythmic variations in the melody that help to keep it feeling fresh and exciting. The overall performance is very strong and Ellis has a clearly defined musical personality that you can definitely hear through the music. The arrangement is particularly strong, the way the texture of the track is continually evolving and being subtlety altered helps keep the arrangement feeling somewhat spontaneous and fresh. The way the music ebbs and flows, as well as its undeniably open sounding nature, perfectly captures the essence of the tracks title, there is a definite expansive quality to the way the track has been layered and as a listener, you really do feel as if you're staring out at the vastness of space itself whilst listening, a feeling that Ellis has managed to accomplish with ease.
Target Audience Appeal: Lovers of the new age and ambient genres will find "Splendor in Space" a thoroughly absorbing listening experience.
Artist target suggestions: David Arkenstone, Vangelis, Yanni, Tangerine Dream, Constance Demby, Kevin Braheny, Mars Lasar, Nicholas Gunn, Kitaro, Secret Garden, Jean Michel Jarre, Mike Oldfield, Mehdi, Isao Tomita, Deep Forest, Roedelius
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About the Reviewer:
Andre Avanessian is a freelance session musician, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K. Having studied music production and composition at a degree level, he has taken his passion for all things audio-related to a level that has allowed him to become both a competent musician and performer. Being a self-confessed "Guitar Nerd" Andre has been continually studying the guitar, as well as teaching it, helping students both learn the instrument, develop their songwriting, and how to become proficient in home recording.