Lowe, Tony and Alison Fleming: Human Sleeping Dreams 1 to 8

Guitarist and producer Tony Lowe, of Bram Stoker and singer-songwriter Alison Fleming have reunited for a new album titled Human Sleeping – Dreams 1 to 8. This will be their third collaboration, with the release date scheduled for 1st of July of this year. Lowe and Fleming's first two albums were critically acclaimed and they balloted for the Grammys in 14 categories.

Lowe and Fleming have created a cool dream soundscape using eight tracks that feature eight different kinds of dreamscapes. Lowe plays guitars, bass, keyboards, and handles the drum programming. Fleming performs all vocals.

"Mystery" opens the album with Alison Fleming's soft voice and exotic keys filling the soundscape. Fleming sings ethereal, "Pyhtia you hear the ether. Who are we, we're confused. Does not make no sense at all. Powerful – amen, amen!" The echoing soft vocals and melody take me back to that Gregorian Chant group from the '90s…oh yah…Enigma. Yes and this music sounds as absorbing and relaxing as Enigma's. Lowe's guitar work is superb as the drum beat keeps you focused on the rhythm and his guitar riffs fly overhead. Perfect opener.

"Something's Going On" has this clear, fun, vibe that takes me back to some of Alan Parsons Project's best sounds. Fleming sings to crash beats and danceable rhythm, "Imagine a nation. Loving, laughing. A rebel nation. People tuned in". Let's hope she's right. Fleming offers more hope, "Ray of recovery. A secret card. I'm you and you are me. Memory recalled. You've been here too".

Continuing that positive mind drive we get "Human Rising". Fleming sings, "Waking up the true art of being happy. Hold it in the moment. Breaking waves. Spirits add surprises". Loads of positive energy flowing with every electric guitar chord laid down. The reverb plays on as oceans of keys flow around the soundscape lapping the sides of the speakers like waves.

"Silent Spring" opens with more beautiful vocals from Fleming with those intricate keyboard melodies surrounding her. Fleming sings, "Across the heartland. They're falling from the air. Pollen tainted poison. No one seems to care. Who will be witness?" Then the punch line, Fleming sings, "Are we listening to a silent spring. Loud and clear to me". The guitars buzz like the missing bees overhead as keys fill the landscape with their sound.

"Falling" is full of more of that wonderful Alan Parsons Project magic. The soundscape is full of electric keys and cleanly played guitar chords. Fleming sings, "King of the air. Topsy turvy. Fire above and Earth below me. All bowled over. Helpless, happy, I am falling".

Fleming sings, "What is this stood before me? Should I dare to communicate? Pretty lights beam. All scanning life. Across the universe", as "The Visitor" opens to surrounding keys and solid electric lead guitar. Lowe's guitar solo is worth the price of admission alone. First Contact set to ethereal music. Nice.

"The Dream Corridor" opens with cinematic surroundings. The keyboard takes you deep into the dreamscape as powerful electric guitar chords thread the needle. At over 11 minutes, this is the epic track I was waiting to hear. The beat is fluid as Fleming sings, "I can't move. Slipping from my grasp. The leaves are piled high. Reach up to my thighs. It's not a grid city town. I haven't time for us to get lost. I have to get back". Lowe's guitars and keys help to heighten the excitement following the lyrics. Deep flowing mental power music like the type I associate with Vancouver, Canada's own Delerium. Excellent.

"Human Sleeping" is the second longest track on the CD at over seven minutes. This track is full of Vangelis-like flowing keys similar to Blade Runner. Then things settle down into a dream state repetitive mode that slowly lulls you to sleep.

This is another great album for Tony Lowe. Alison Fleming's voice is the perfect match for this dreamy music. Get this and experience an incredibly warm dream state.

Track Listing:

1. Mystery
2. Something's Going On
3. Human Rising
4. Silent Spring
5. Falling
6. The Visitor
7. The Dream Corridor
8. Human Sleeping

Added: May 5th 2014
Reviewer: Mark Johnson
Score:
Related Link: http://tonylowe.com/reflector/
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Language: english

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