Sunrise Auranaut: The Ocean Of Unspoken Words

Well named due to the instrumental nature of his work, the fourth album from Sunrise Auranaut finds Russian composer Vitaly Kiselev deep in The Ocean Of Unspoken Words. Accompanied by the synth work of Alexander Malakhov, this latest offering finds Kiselev providing guitars, bass and programming as he leads his creations into a symphonic prog world that is undoubtedly reminiscent of The Flower Kings, Camel or Rick Wakeman. With lyrics never an issue, things can sometimes feel less song based than this genre often provides, while the focus is more often than not on relaxed themes, Malakhov's synths dominating and setting the mood. He's a skilled player and with some of the album 'written under impression of classical music such as the works of Peter Tchaikovsky or Edward Grieg', that things can also be traditional and technical at the same time should come as no surprise. Disappointingly where things can sometimes be let down is through a slightly thin production and a reedy guitar sound, grandeur and bombast sought out but not always quite attained as the sonics remain just a little stoic and polite. However when you factor in the virtuosic like performances on "The Last Meeting", where a mid-paced beat is infused with pompous church organ and darting synth surges, it's possible to overlook this album's aural shortcomings and place yourself at the centre of what is a complex and rich display.

Strongly conveying emotion the likes of "Who Is There?" and "Late Night Is Early Morning (After The Holiday)" clearly have a lot to say but in their wordless state it has to be said that the message doesn't always quite break through or find its mark. In truth, repeat visits have also found it a little difficult to differentiate between some tracks, as universally similar sounds and approaches are relied upon throughout. The lack of variance possibly this album's biggest stumbling block. Still, there's no shortage of skill and craft on show and while that might not be enough to continually draw me back for more, dedicated followers of the instrumental symphonic prog scene will find more than enough to keep them occupied.

Track Listing
1. Perseids
2. In A Room With Many Mirrors
3. The Last Meeting
4. Who Is There?
5. The Ocean Of Unspoken Words
6. Free Wind And Home Draft
7. The Secrets Of Nightlife
8. The Great Dumb (Cinema)
9. Late Night Is Early Morning (After The Holiday)

Added: February 3rd 2018
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Sunrise Auranaut on facebook
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Language: english

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