Greg Haines - Slumber Tides [Miasmah - 2006]Slumber Tides is a wonderful apt title for 18 year old Greg Haines debut album, with it’s lush and dramatic mix of classical droneing string work, heavenly voices and subtle electronics. The sound through out seems to glow with great gold and ornate wonder; Haines really bleeding all the beauty and sad grace from the sounds within. Though out the five tracks on offer here he imbeds each with really emotional depth and honesty. There booth soothing and smooth as silk, but often touched by a great longing or sadness. He weaves together the rich and epic banks of strings, in such a defined and compelling manner, often adding small details of sound on top like; sad bird song string weeps, slow piano autumnal walks, sea breaking on the shore tones, gamelan like tinkering akin to rays of sun light, and wonderful anglic female vocals curtsey of Kristin Evensen Giaever. This is music to fall into and let it embrace your heart and soul. Be warmed and sadden by its slow unfolding beauty and grace. Clearly one of the most luxurious and emotional rich debut albums you’re likely to come across this year, or any other year for that matter. Roger Batty
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