Olan Mill – Paths Review

Profoundly beautiful. This was my initial impression of “paths” by Olan Mill. It is a profoundly beautiful merging of ambient and neo-classical instrumentation… with an elegance and grace that simply has to be experienced to be believed.No idea is hurried… no idea is overdone… this is a release that just lives and breathes beauty… the kind of graciousness that takes the breath away.
The drones are first class… the strings are first class… and the melodies are eloquent in their expression. This is a release that warrants being savoured… and rewards the listener who takes their time with it… letting it soak into their very being so that every nuance can be appreciated… every element enjoyed fully.

The opening track – “bleu polar” – sets the tone of the release… languid and relaxed with the most exquisite of strings creating drones that ebb and flow… lapping at the edges of the listener’s conscious… more tired than melancholic, these drones suggest the attainment of rest is possible and near at hand.

“Springs” – the second track – features a piano early on… a piano playing a some what fractured melody before strings join it and add some depth to the soundscape. A luscious melody, played of more strings, brings the whole track together and makes the soundscape come alive… with hope and expectation.

The third track – “on waiting” – has a darker feel… a beautiful darkness… built by drones. This track builds in intensity… exciting the listener but never quite overpowering her. The strings build the sound… bringing their harmonies and simple melody to the release. It is a profoundly beautiful journey… especially when the subtle field recordings of water and birdsong become apparent near the end.

The fourth track – “knew bold” – rotates around a droning violin and disparate field recordings of dripping water… before further drones complete the soundscape in the most earnest and heartbreakingly beautiful manner.

The penultimate track – “rube” – is an expression of hope… a bright and upbeat composition… profoundly beautiful in it’s intentional languidity.

The last track – “on leaving” – is a fitting track to finish this release off with. Subtle drones from eloquent strings set the scene of this eight minute opus. The build up is tantalising… filled with both expectation and the melancholia that comes from leaving… closing… ending. Refrains of melody floating in and out of the listener’s conscious… creating a truly immersive track. Utterly delightful in every way.

Olan Mill - Paths Review
Rating
I really loved this album and would heartily recommend it. My only criticism is that it is too short... at six tracks and thirty two minutes... I want more.That being said... I would happily give it 9 out of 10. Very few drone / neo-classical albums will come close to the profound beauty of paths.

Album will be out soon.

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