Search - Kevin Braheny, Tim Clark :: Rain

Braheny and Clark's Galactic "Rain" Continues

Peter M. Stumpf | McHenry, IL USA | 06/29/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Touching ever-so-lightly on the rhythmic and percussive textures of world music, Kevin Braheny and Tim Clark incorporate chimes, tubular bells, and jungle drums, and various other types of ethnic percussion into their galactic style of deep space music. A word to the wise for new listeners: the melodies - on the songs that have melodies, that is, for two songs forgo percussion and melody almost entirely, in what can best described as deep atmospheric journeys - are performed primarily on electronic wind instrument (EWI), the artificial nature of which can be painfully apparent at times. Certain EWI "voices" - such as the "trumpet" on track 8 - can become strident and harsh in the upper registers, so use of this instrument is most effective on the mellower songs on this album. However, if you like galactic-themed space music, or are a fan of the past solo works of Braheny and Clark, I believe you will enjoy this album."

Pleasantly suprised

Mark | Phoenix, AZ | 10/23/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This cd gets its fair share of rotation among my ambient space music collection. It has all the ingredients of a great ambient listening experience. It stretches from the heights of wonderous bliss to the depths of solitary contentment, and can be listened to no matter what the weather is like outside. It has a feel of innocence and purity. And that is what rain does. It clenses. It purifies. If rain or a cloudy day gets you down, don't let the title of this cd scare you off. It's quite refreshing and at times absolutely gorgeous."

An Unexpected Shower--Let it Fall in Your World

M. D. MCGINLEY | United States | 11/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Rain" by artists Kevin Braheny & Tim Clark is a wonderful collaborative ambient effort. It has a much brighter outlook than some dark and gloomy albums that can be found in this classification ("Well of Souls," for example). From the beginning on Track 1, "Sun Showers" and Track 2, "Tidepool" its mellow syntho-xylo sounds immediately blow off stress, with a seriously happy flute picking you up. The beginning of Track 2 alone is worth the money, as I have not often heard such a perfectly balanced and beautifully flotilla of violins and the rolling ocean. Track 3, "The Hills of Home" picks up the pace a bit, gradually increasing tempo, and is a perfect way to start a new day--especially with a fresh cup of coffee. When you reach Track 5, "Monsoon," you'll almost be in high gear, and for that reason alone this album is great to listen on the drive to work without losing your cool. Track 6, "Rainstreet," begins to wind down, with gently rolling electro-bassoons and floating synthesizers. The middle-to-end of "Rain" is more mellow than spirited, but I mean that in an awakened sense, not dull or boring, one that will help to enjoyably pass your time. There's one more burst of energy on Track 9, "Green Umbrella," with one of the most beautiful melodies I've ever heard--it has a gentle pang of the tropics--in the forefront of a steady, soft calypso background. I highly recommend this album as a way to "become a nicer person," if you'll excuse the cliche or the generality. But if there was a better way to say it, I would have told you. No new age fan or lover of ambience must be without it. Buy it today!"