A Never Ending Quest --------------------------
Some call the soul an immortal spirit while others call it the breath of God. Almost all known religions believe in a soul, sometimes called by another name, but all with the understanding that it is joined to the body and is greater than the flesh. When a soul takes the journey to a place of forever what music will be his or her companion? That is the question that might be answered by composer Michael Buck and his extraordinary album Towards an Unknown Land. On many cuts Michael uses a sea journey, a voyage to the unfamiliar, as a metaphoric transport. Not surprising from a composer based in the British Isles surrounded by the ocean.
The opening track, The Quay and Departure has the makings of an exciting journey. The ocean is recognized for its amicable sea crests, sunny days and gentle breezes as well as its dangerous waves, storms and terrible winds. How will our journey begin and where will it take us? The earthly compass is spun and we head through the morning mist on first tide. With our course unsure, the fog makes us apprehensive. Towards an Unknown Land, the next track puts the rushing wind at our backs as we meet the challenges of the sea. Hope and doubt vie for our attention as the music, vivid flute, swirling strings and glorious horns carry us gently toward our destination.
One of my favorite tracks on the recording is called A Dream in the Sun. It is quite reminiscent of Eric Satie and a few other post Impressionistic composers. The tune is sweet, flowing, and somewhat aquatically pastoral as we drift about and the sun plays with our psyches. We find ourselves mesmerized by the warmth and light and perhaps lose sight of our objective.
The longest and absolute best track on the album is called Eastern Waltz. At almost twelve minutes long, the tune gives a positive direction. Accompanied by an angelic chorus we travel strong and steady. After turmoil and indecision, we finally have a point on which to focus. Ever eastward. Michael incorporates some electronics mixed with a carousel-like theme on the tune. The atmosphere is lighter, more energized than the other tracks. Perhaps we are headed in the right direction after all. This is a deeply beautiful and emotional tune.
The turning point is established on the piece, Out in the Cold. Melancholy, ominous and dark. We stand balanced on the edge of a dream. All that we believe in is questioned as we head toward the light. There is almost a note of despair throughout the piece and I for one was nervous at the lack of affirmation.
Nothing is more frightening or more disheartening than the call of the banshees on the last track, Sirens. It is the ultimate proclamation that we are about to finalize our destination. Fortunately, the mist finally lifts and the light ahead is unmistakable. The music takes on a sense of serenity and we are at long last at journey’s end. I can assure you of this, every individual will make their own journey and it is not the same for everyone.
Michael Buck began his career at the tender age of ten. He has made a place for himself as a composer of cinematic themes and music for various video projects. Although not the same as neo-classical, I think that his entry into the neo-symphonic genre is the new classical genre of a modern day. Buck is one of the many symphonic composers that makes the crossing into New Age and does a superb job of it. At times this album has a cinematic feel to it which distinguishes it from any neo-classical recording. It occasionally reminds me of some of David Arkenstone’s earlier work. That is, adventurous elements mixed with lush orchestration. This album is going to please many listeners.-------------------------
You have just read a review of my new Album "Towards an Unknown Land". -----------------
My Album is available at www.amazon.com and in the UK at www.amazon.co.uk.
In Europe you can buy it at www.amazon.de or www.amazon.fr --------------------------
It can be downloaded from i-tunes and from www.bostonpete.com
There are also many other web sites where it is available.
You can hear more of my work by visiting :-
www.myspace.com/michaelbucko. Enjoy the music.
