Showing posts with label Adrian Von Ziegler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adrian Von Ziegler. Show all posts

Friday 4 September 2015

Adrian Von Ziegler "Vagabond" (2013)


Looking for the next record of Adrian Von Ziegler's to spin, I noticed "Vagabond" had a similar format to our recent enjoyment "Wanderer". Four tracks, each twenty minutes in length, this was another seasonally themed ambiance of indulgence mixing gentle scores with the winds, chirping of birds and even the waters washing up on the shoreline. Where "Wanderer" charmed with its balance of environmental ambiance and passing melodies, "Vagabond" find a much more direct approach with a stronger presences from the stringed instruments that give the record a symphonic vibe.

"Winter Breath" is the most striking song, a deep howling wind paints the night black, lead by echoing xylophones as the sounds of frozen caves and landscapes glisten in the spooky quiet beyond the twilight. It steadily builds into big theatrics with strings, choir aahs and dramatic leads that intensify gently before unraveling back into the snowy, dusk bound track led by the winds.

The other three tracks are not quite as impressive, however "Autumn Forest" has some big Celtic folk leads that feel as if they have been cherry picked from traditional folk songs. They come to dance in between quite moments which is what all the songs do here, drift between calm and climactic moments, intensifying in depth and volume. Its a great ambient record, but one that's more demanding of your attention than "Wanderer". Both make for great choices when in the particular mood.

Favorite Song: Winter Breath
Rating: 6/10

Monday 17 August 2015

Adrian Von Ziegler "Wanderer" (2011)


Adrian Von Ziegler is a Switz composer who has gained popularity for his music through the Youtube platform. Adrian composes compassionate, scenic, neoclassical ambient music that touches on Scandinavian folk, nature, mythology and fantasy themes of that variety. Upon first hearing his music I knew instantly it was for me and of the twelve plus records I picked up this was the one to jump out at me first and I'm hooked.

I will summarize "Wanderer" up quickly, its an ambient, atmospheric record consisting of three twenty minute songs that settle a natural, harmonious mood and drift on through with melodies and tunes poised for depth and meaning, while remaining subtle and calming. Progression is irrelevant, the songs hold a moment in time, a feeling without trying to climax and break the mode. Its quite simply wonderful and charming.

The execution is remarkable, Adrian breaths life into these songs with the sounds of bird chirping, rivers flowing, soft winds, the squawk of crows in the distance and the occasional owl. Alongside soft and lush stringed, plucked instruments and gentle synthesizers composed with love and care, these songs come to life on a "go to" record for relaxation, ambiance or that need for a natural connection to the beauty of nature.

Rating: 7/10