Search - Helios :: Unomia

Masterful, Astonishing, Sublime...

Sim Ulacrum | Fort Collins, CO | 04/15/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the first album from Portland-based ambient artist Helios that I've had the pleasure of listening to, and I must say it was an incredibly eye-opening (or should I say, mind's eye-opening) experience. We use words like "evocative" and "atmospheric" and "captivating" to describe certain kinds of music that elicit emotional responses of serenity and contentment. But until now, I've not really found many artists that do this so well. At the very least, Helios has discovered an unique niche in a genre that needs new sounds and aesthetics.



While much of contemporary electronic ambient music is overly manipulated, minimalistic, experimental, or reliant on sampling classical music and nature sounds, Helios takes the best aspects of the genre and mingles them into a complexly layered symphony. I realize this sounds cliché, but it's truly the best way to describe the unique aesthetic presented on Unomia. The album covers the gamut from gentle instrumental riffs to melodic downtempo to well-integrated synthy electronica to crafty minimalist experimentation. It varies the mood from soothing to slightly dark to upbeat to almost brooding to serene.



Bottom line: this is an album to be experienced. Grab a glass of wine, dim the lights and plug this one in. I can pretty well guarantee you'll enjoy the ride.

"

Amazing

Ryan M. Campbell | Minnesota | 11/28/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If any human had the ability to record the heartbeat of the earth,this is what it would sound like.



Check out the song: Lighthouse"