Man From RavCon, The: Strange Universe

Mike Brown, otherwise known as The Man From RavCon is back with a new album titled Strange Universe. I first became familiar with his music in 2015 when I reviewed his last album The Puzzle Master.

The music again is all instrumental and I believe Brown plays everything himself. Piano, keyboards, organ, synths, Mellotron and guitar is all here for your enjoyment. Although the music isn't necessarily complicated, Brown is a noteworthy musician and his music is moody and melodic with well-constructed song structures and arrangements. This is a keyboard/synth heavy affair with electronic elements adding to the spacey vibe but guitar is also utilized to good effect adding a moody and atmospheric undercurrent to the artist's otherworldly soundscapes. The tempo is generally slow letting the sounds and melodies seep into your head.

"Prelude/Jupiter" begins the disc with a melodic piano line before organ and Mellotron add density to the arrangement. The synths and electronics bubble and percolate making this one outstanding on headphones. On "Quasar" synths and keyboards alternate between flowing guitar chords creating some great atmospheres. The title track starts with a somber sounding keyboard slowly building towards synths that weave through the sci-fi-like lattice work. The guitar and keyboards, including Mellotron, are both melodic and well played. "Friday's Fugue" offers a much more cheery sound and would feel right at home on my Christmas playlist. "Neptune" is another track exuding sci-fi with its stark keyboard and eerie synthesizers. "Poseidon" is another cool tune loaded with synths and Mellotron choirs. "Juggernaut One" is more urgent with an excellent guitar riff and fine organ embellishments.

Strange Universe is another solid effort from Brown who seems to have his version of science fiction inspired music down to a science. If you enjoy keyboard led instrumental music this is an album I think you will enjoy. Recommended.

Track Listing:
1. Prelude/Jupiter
2. Quasar
3. Strange Universe
4. Friday's Fugue
5. Neptune
6. Poseidon
7. Zero Gravity
8. Juggernaut One
9. Prelude (Reprise)
10. Ancient

Added: January 28th 2018
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 1597
Language: english

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