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Vortex Ascent describes itself as an “International Experimental Federation of Independent Solo Musicians”. Before listening to their work, I feared that might be an excuse for a disjointed sound or a troublesome level of musicality. I was, instead, very pleasantly surprised by this musical collective on their new music endeavor entitled “Shine A Light”. The album immediately put me at ease with its dreamy, sometimes jazzy, other times folksy and electronic sonic adventures. I think the experiment is working out just fine so far.
I like this album for a couple of reasons. The first being its undeniable cohesion. Somehow this project finds a way to bring together various well-executed musical styles under one roof. Then it transports that roof, and the house beneath it, into some alternate dimension. It’s a pretty relaxed dimension at that, full of wavy synths and flavorful vocals. I really had a great time listening to how it all came together.
I also like getting to hear the individual contributions that each artist gets a chance to bring to the project. Derek Schuurman opens “Shine A Light” on the track called “Dodging Bullets” which allows the listener to become instantly aware that they are in for an ethereal experience once the vocals hit. Sarah K Panton infuses “This Unknown” with an incisive, longing, singing voice that vibes well with a comfortably wandering piano underlying the track. Her work with Tony Ragan and Dan Moody/Glow on “Dark Skies” further proves her quality, giving the track an almost eerie beauty. The title track “Shine A Light” features Briar and Nigel Homer on a more upbeat song that I would love to hear performed live sometime (especially with an extension of that guitar solo). Every track has something new to offer. The album entertains and excites while simultaneously being extraordinarily serene and listenable.
The idea behind Vortex Ascent is pretty ambitious. Each project involves independent musicians working collaboratively over several different countries to record the work, mixing and producing, for the most part, in London, England. Then, of course, the results are shared with the rest of the world. Easy? Probably not. But certainly worth the effort. “Shine a Light” is a perfect listen for someone who wants to take a moment out of a hectic, fast paced day to get back in touch with the chill side of life. Yet its just heavy enough to keep your shoulders rocking while you get your mellow on.
– iLikeZach
