Pacific Heights - Album Review: The Stillness
The Stillness by Pacific Heights is
a wonderfully transient modernistic album full of sophisticated electro beats
and atmospheric synth laden soundscapes, an ephemeral album that takes you on a
pleasurable trip into your own imagination.
The term Electro might make you think of dance dub beats but this is definitely not a dance album for this collection of music provides a totally immersive experience that generates a multiple sensory encounter where you see and feel a variety of colours and light, and a vast range of temperature and emotion.
There are 4 guest vocalists; with the ultra-slick sound of Shaan Singh on the atmospheric So Love and the cool clean sound of Jen Turner’s vocals on the brooding Drained and Louis Baker's emotional performance on the hauntingly beautiful Buried by Burden. 3 songs feature the wonderfully crisp and very 'Lorde' vocals of Deanne Krieg which fit the songs perfectly. Each track is propelled by varying techno beats furnished with brooding orchestral synthesisers that resonate with style and modern polished pop. The variety of sound and beats keep you interested and your experience fluctuates as each song progresses. You can imagine many passages being used for thought provoking scenes in a cinematic thriller.
The instrumental tracks are a dreamy trip indeed with the occasional surprising sound splashes that offer an assortment of changing colour and light which are thrown into the otherwise steady rolling rhythms. Many tracks have interesting changes in style and rhythm, like the track Hana which commences with a soulful layered synth that takes you on a flight into a dreamy soundscape, but just as you close your eyes and envisage your destination you’re taken on a funky turn with a groovy new snap beat.
Overall the rich and smooth sound of The Stillness is a near perfect creation, an impressive experience that is more sensory than aural, and one which I recommend thoroughly.
About Pacific Heights
The first Pacific Heights album in eight years, The Stillness is a work that pays homage to his musical past while also giving Devin the freedom to present his own vision on progressive electronic music. The album showcases Devin’s incredible knack for transforming the sonic into the cinematic. The rich textures, smoky edges, and flaring electronic surges, coupled with a number of standout guest performances make for a truly breath-taking collection of music.
The album features guest appearances from a small but perfectly formed collection of New Zealand musicians including Deanne Krieg, Jen Turner, Louis Baker and Shaan Singh (Drax Project). "Collaborating with these beautiful and talented people on the album kept me sane at times and provided some refreshing musical perspectives," says Devin.
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