Raging Embers - Big Love
Classical, Rock, Contemporary Classical
New York, United States
Overall Impression: "Big Love" has always been one of my favorite Fleetwood Mac tunes, and to hear it re-imagined as an epic-sounding orchestral piece is quite something! Raging Embers has cooked up a fantastic cover that manages to balance its moments of majestic grandeur and delicate introspection marvelously. With its sweeping strings, jazz-induced brass elements, and striking percussive bravado, this is one of those covers that respectfully honors the original whilst using its creative foundation as a springboard to reach exciting new musical ground.
Strongest Point(s): I've said this many times before in the past, but I believe it stands to reason, any great cover needs to find that very specific middle-ground that allows it to honor the original whilst also allowing it to explore fresh new creative areas, areas that shine a new perspective on the original source material and give listeners something wholly new and exciting to experience, I believe Raging Embers has struck that balance resoundingly well. Whilst the overall harmonic foundation of the original has been retained, there are some fantastic deviations with regards to melody, instrumentation, and texture that really allow this cover to stand confidently on its own two feet. The first major difference is obviously the style, Raging Embers has opted for a gloriously cinematic feeling orchestral piece that feels grand in scope and wonderfully expressive in its execution. The instrumentation is well chosen and offers listeners a timbrally diverse and tonally rich palette of sounds to digest, for instance, the blending of both legato and staccato articulations serves as a great way to provide contrast in the string sections and the wonderful jazz fusion-esque nature of the brass adds that certain dash of flair to the arrangement, and we can't forget the strong rhythmic gusto provided by the imposing percussive elements. It wouldn't be fair if we didn't also touch upon the excellent recording, every element has been both brilliantly recorded and presented, and the way both live and VST instruments have been smoothly combined is flawless, ensuring this version of "Big Love" is positively bursting with both sonic elegance and crystal clear polish. Superbly performed, exquisitely produced, and lovingly arranged, what more does a music lover need?!
Target Audience Appeal: Fans of modern cinematic orchestral music will surely appreciate this fantastic cover.
Artist target suggestions: Apocalyptica, 2Cellos, Philip Glass, Johann Johannsson, Fleetwood Mac, Lindsey Sterling, Deviations Project, Hanz Zimmer, Simply Three, Escala, Jesper Kyd, John Paesono
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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.