Michael Regina sculpts ambient, classical, and shoegaze together into an otherworldly whole on the dreamy aura of “Stargazer”. Aptly named these pieces waft up into the heavens. Full of such bright optimism there is a quiet introspective joy that adorns each piece. Possessing a keen ear for melody they let the entirety of the experience consume the listener whole. The attention to detail makes these pieces feel symphonic, each one a suite in something far greater. Forgoing traditional rhythm to a large degree, it approaches a naturalistic beauty. Downright lovely the multiple layers intermingle in a colorful, compelling way.
The cosmic take of the album works wonders. Drawing from past innovators like Tangerine Dream and Future Sound of London, they opt for a blissed-out dazzling whole. On the more intense moments they go for a lovesliescrushing approach, taking that interstellar form of shoegaze drone and giving it a delicate, fragile sensibility. Both new and old influences intermingle resulting in a sound that gives a respectful nod to the past while pointing towards the lush future of ambience. Little flourishes resonate strongly in the expansive sweeps. From piece to piece, a sort of journey begins to unfold in a way that feels so powerful.
“Orbit Epoch” starts the album off on a sci-fi vibe. Within this work, an entire landscape takes shape. The ability to explore an entire geography without needing to say a single word imbues the track with a sense of wonder. Beats hit hard on the lumbering “Miss Twilight”. Keeping things focused clearly on the gradually growing riff, the piece expands seemingly into the infinite. Things slow down to a reflective pace on the languid “Fly with You” which embraces a dreamy disposition. Economical grooves take shape on the spacious “Venus Glow” where a stately, regal presence leads the way.
On “Moment M” things move by in a brilliant blur. Here the beat workout feels earned, for the way the melody comes in and out of focus gives it an acidic tinge. Angelic wordless choirs take hold on the glowing “Beautiful Wings”. Discrete imagery emerges out of the lush “The Colony” which positively teems with life. By far the highlight of the album comes from the silken textures of the title track “Stargazer” with piano and synthesizer blending together into a virtual stream of consciousness. An elaborate and sprawling piece, “Desolate” brings things to a close with a tactile quality.
“Stargazer” shows off Michael Regina’s impeccable skill in creating a world that feels so uniquely inviting, soothing, and outright tender in tone.
