ciderlord

Adam Castillo is a very creative composer. I'm sure when he creates his work that deep in his mind he has a picture of a certain type of person as the typical listening recipient of the finished album. I suspect that person would be far removed from the likes of myself. I would expect them to be, at most, half my age if not only a third. Not only would they not be old, they wouldn't be boring either!

I enjoy listening to a wide spectrum of music and can appreciate music that I may not all together like or fully enjoy. One prejudice I do have, and I accept it is my failing, is a dislike of "concept" albums. I like the music itself to do the talking and do not like to find myself being channeled in a specific direction because a composer tells me that way is what inspired him or her and so that is the direction my thinking should follow.

Having overcome the hurdles of being too old and the owner of a concept hatred, what is left for me to review. Lets be clear, this album is well made and put together. The creation and production are both slick. The playing and performance are both top-notch. Even the idea and its handling is well done. All in all it is a very satisfying and sharply crafted work. I appreciate all the effort, and I'm sure there was a lot, that went into making it. I can't honestly say I enjoyed it all but that again is down to me and I'm too old to change now. I fully appreciate and acknowledge his creative talents, it's just a shame much of it is wasted on old farts like me. Adam is the future and long may he reign on his musical throne. Thanks for sharing with us all, even me.

I was hoping someone else would have been brave enough to have reviewed this before me and had at least tried to make some sense of it all. Whatever this release may, or may not have, sense is a non-existent commodity. Lets be honest, at times, it is close to awful, it's banal and childish but at the same time it can border on the brilliant. If your idea of musical pleasure is listening to a man who can't sing, "sing" and then being out sung by a puppet creation of whatever animalistic origin, then this is the album you have been waiting for.

The final track parody of Culture Club is nothing short of a mini-work of genius but equally the parody of "Bridge of Troubled Water" makes me squirm it is so bad, the piano is nice though! Yes, from the debris there is much to smile about, snigger at, raise laughter and even more beyond. Songs about drain cleaners, goofballs and potatoes are not things you come across everyday. It is definitely one of those releases you have to experience to hear. Love it or hate it, it is what it is. One mans meat is another mans poison and all of that. Score wise it is a difficult one, when it's good it is good and it did make me laugh a lot in places. Because of that I will give it an 8 (it is nearly Christmas after all). I expect many will think this over generous but how do put a price, or mark, on laughter and smiles?

Put quite simply, this is a short collection of delightful, thoughtful songs that are a sheer aural pleasure. Each is well constructed and played, as well as being an easy on the ears treat. Good though they may individually each be, for me, one stands out above the others, Track 4 - Footprints, is my highlight, with its superb atmosphere and compelling instrumentation. This is a truly lovely creation.
Many thanks for sharing this, always, always, always, always.

Somewhat of a swan-song I suspect. The incarnation that is Caustic Reverie appears to have run its course as the final gatherings from the "cutting room floor" are unveiled to the ears of Jamendo.
Ivan described it so well as a musical scrapbook. Indeed it is, a collection of pieces that, for one reason or another, never made it to the final release. That does not mean they inferior pieces, far from it in fact. As a set they stand up well and my ears certainly appreciated the variety of musical compositions presented. All the favourites were there, the lost-in-space-and-time sounds, the buried underground ones, the warmth of the rising sun and even "the voice". Old friends all, and all very welcome once again. Short pieces, longer ones and some in between. As expected, I prefer the longer ones as they allow the aural sounds to develop the mind into experiencing the visual interpretations that follow. This audio to visual creation has always been the strength of a CR release.
Overall then, a superb selection of extracts from the scrapbook and an aural delight. Many thanks to you once again.

This is much more a follow-on from the "Citrine Lake" release rather than the later "Sapphire Mountain" one. Thus I much prefer it to climbing the higher octave mountain.

I have a couple of reservations, one subjective and one objective, but neither relate to the quality of the actual music itself. This simply enfolds you in a warm wrap and allows your mind to wander as you are lifted above mere worldly woes and troubles. Wonderfully sensitive and mesmerising sounds which smooth you to the inner core. Quite simply, a truly aural treat.

I don't like the title, how slow ethereal music like this can relate to a hot, fly-infested, jungle swamp totally defeats me. Also, I am disappointed at the low quality bitrate of this release. Why is it lower than the WMRI normal?. Music this slow and quiet needs a decent quality of output and this level is below par. I haven't deducted anything from my rating as this is based on the music alone but I am still disappointed at the poorer quality. Please do your music justice and let it be heard as good as it can be.

As always, thanks for sharing.