This collection of a dozen dreamy pieces composed and performed by Milwaukee-based multi-instrumentalist Rob Wessel transcends the traditional realms of so-called “ambient” music by venturing into the territory of full-fledged songs. Echoes of David Gilmour and Steve Hackett can be heard, and Wessel also cites Phil Keaggy, Michael Manring and Brian Eno as influences.
Wessel deftly incorporates synths, guitars and fretless bass into these largely improvised pieces, with the music often reflecting a given song’s title. Crickets chirp on “Warm August Night” and “My Lover’s Eyes” is wrapped in a lusty melody. On the album’s two foreign-language titles, “Ich Fand Nie Die Zeit” and “Am Ende Der Sommer,” Wessel channels mid-period Pink Floyd to near perfection. Yet it is “Midwinter Lullaby” and “Better Days” -- with their warm and wistful “la-la-la” vocals -- that he reveals to have the greatest potential to be flushed out with lyrics. The latter features a layered vocal effect that builds toward an explosive Neal Schon-style guitar solo.
Safe Place to Fall serves as an ideal soundtrack for these pandemic times: Somber yet uplifting, pastoral yet moody, intricate yet simple. Listen, and take comfort.
Track Listing:
1. Moments of Revelation
2. Warm August Night
3. Ich Fand Nie Die Zeit
4. Into Oblivion
5. Sacred Kiss
6. My Lover’s Eyes
7. Go On Without Me
8. Midwinter Lullaby
9. Am Ende Der Sommer
10. Diaphanous
11. Better Days
12. Soft Place to Fall
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