Hypnagogue Reviews: Brannan Lane, Stephen Van Handel

Hypnagogue · Joined: Oct 23, 2003 Posts: 16

Latest additions to the Hypnagogue site include reviews of "Sextant" by Brannan Lane and Ashera, and "Pearls of the Soul" by Stephen Van Handel.

On "Sextant": This is a trip over dark, uncertain water to a strange place that exists on no known map. There is a sense of constant cool fog filled with whispers and sails billowing under phantom winds. The ship seems to know the way--or perhaps there is no way at all, and the only thing one can do is wait.

With keyboards and midi guitars, Lane and Ashera (secret identity: Anthony Wright) sculpt this journey in hues of peace and mystery. Breathy synth work provides a delicate, calming base that the duo drape in somber tones and atmospheric accents that become the half-seen landscape on the trip.

On "Pearls of the Soul": In places, Pearls carries echoes of Shadowfax, Mike Oldfield, or Ray Lynch, repainted with Van Handel's personal palette and overlaid with the constant sense that the composer is just having a damn fine time for himself. From the drum-driven world-groove feel of "Winds of Nazca" and the joyful "Ese Pequeno Sentimiento de Felicidad" to the softer, more ambient touches of "Thunder Dance" (which is too good to be so short!) and "Listening in Ancient Caves," this CD is a clear labor of love and a pleasure to listen to.

Read the complete reviews at
www.braindrizzle.netfirms.com/hypnagogue.html

elektro80 · Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2003 8:11 am Post subject:

THX! This is the first time I am checking out your site. Those reviews are interesting! They make me want to hear the music. I did find some Brannan Lane somewhere on the net some months ago and from what I remember I think I found his music to be quite good and interesting.

brannanlanecom · Joined: Mar 09, 2004 Posts: 26 Location: USA

Thank you so much for your kind words. You can find audio samples, secure online ordering, reviews and news about all my releases at the link below.

Fresh ambient music served chilled. We ship world wide.
Secure online orders. Open 24 hours a day.
http://www.brannanlane.com (artist site)

Thanks again for your interest and kindness. Keep listening!
Brannan Lane