Search - Lanterna :: Sands

A continuing exploration of the wide open spaces

William Merrill | San Antonio, TX United States | 10/08/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Guitarist Henry Frayne uses his electric guitar to create atmospheric soundscapes that evoke beautiful desolation and great, open expanses of territory. He does it by allowing his chords to overlap and grow, making what is almost like ambient music at times, especially in some passages of Sands' title track. This new CD is yet another striking collection of guitar instrumentals, similar to the previous two Lanterna discs but with a couple of differences. One is the greater use of the acoustic guitar, giving the disc a pastoral feel at times (on "Fields," for instance). Sands also makes good use of Steven Day as a rhythm section on cuts such "West Side Highway," which is the closest Mr. Frayne has come to doing a straight-ahead rock 'n' roll instrumental. Whatever, the ten tracks on this CD are at various times mesmerizing, ethereal, and even moving. As long as this guy keeps making music, I'll keep buying it."

Sands ~ Lanterna

William Merrill | 12/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just heard this featured on an NPR (National Public Radio) piece. It was not the "type" of musical genre that I would normally shop for. I thank NPR for opening my ears to what I was missing! This is not just music, it is an amazing spiritually uplifting trip. A fascinating work to sit and listen to. This talented musician weaves and creates layer upon intricate layer of pure musical art. I'm delighted to find this CD offered on Amazon.com so I can have unrestricted listening time! Sands will take some of the raw edges off your soul if the Current Events of Life are getting you down. Draw a bath, light some candles and crank up the music. This is NOT just another fluffly environmental Muzack CD... enjoy!"

Stunning & gorgeous!

Dennis Miller | Lost Angels, CA | 09/29/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Geez! How do I describe this work?

1 guy; 1 guitar, 1 echo chamber/reverb...

It sounds like it'd be interesting for about four minutes, right?

Well, if you thought THAT, you'd be wrong!

This is stunning & gorgeous atmospheric work, that is well thought out & mature.

EVERY time I play this for someone, they inevitably "demand" to know who it is, so they can get their own copy.

You should get your own copy too.

The short snippets that are allowed on this website do not do the music justice. It slowly builds & develops; it is like watching a thin tendril of smoke rise in the air; not a bonfire. So if you don't really get excited by the few seconds you CAN hear, please understand that there is so much more. And, you'll hear it if you listen & allow it to work through the wispy and lovely compositions.

If the idea of having Mr. Frayne ( who IS "Lanterna") take you on a small, but delightful journey with his guitar, appeals to you, buy this CD

If you enjoy beautiful, well executed guitar work, buy this album.

My wife puts this on when she is alone in the house, then draws a bath. She's listens and relaxes for the entire album. It's that good; all the way through!

They only allowed me to give five stars. If I could I'd give more.

I've had this album for two or three years & it never fails to amaze & delight!

Buy it. You won't be sorry."