Worlds Collide is a one man project behind which lurks composer/keyboard player John Eargle. Portal is reminiscent of David Arkenstone circa In the Wake of the Wind. Layers of lush keyboards, sequencers and guitars depict a fantasy world limited only by the listener's imagination. Conjuring images of science fiction films and fantastical romance, Worlds Collide is a warm and inviting path to a place far from the hustle and bustle of the real world.
The album opens with three short pieces that could easily pass as the soundtrack for the next Star Trek film. Eargle's sweeping synth tones are as cinematic as the orchestral music of John Williams or Jerry Goldsmith. But when the guitars are pushed to the fore, especially the acoustic guitar on "To Dream Again", we realize that Eargle is not simply content to reside in New Age territory. In fact, songs such as "Vital Spark" and "Deep and Wide" benefit from a real drum kit played by Rob Price. On the other hand, Worlds Collide isn't a progressive rock band per se either and one of my favorite pieces is the gently unfolding "Spacious Design", chock full of laid back atmospherics.
Criticisms? Not many. The only song that seems out of place is the album closer, the bouncy "Eschaton (Reprise)". It is a dance oriented track in which the sequenced drum patterns wear thin after a while. Perhaps more acoustic drum kits would further benefit the album. But overall, Portal is a very pleasant journey and I am sure we will be hearing more from Worlds Collide in the future.
Track Listing
- Eschaton (1:35)
- Ransom's Theme (2:43)
- The Portal (2:35)
- Advent-ageous (6:19)
- To Dream Again (5:00)
- When Worlds Collide (6:27)
- Taking in the View (4:14)
- Vital Spark (3:34)
- Spacious Design (8:32)
- The Aggressor (3:15)
- Perelandra (2:37)
- Deep and Wide (5:10)
- Eschaton (reprise) (5:58)
Total Time(58:01)
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