Dale White – Fade
Reviewed By Michael Diamond
The sub-title of Dale White’s “Fade” - “Music for the Mind Traveler” couldn’t be more appropriate. One of the most outstanding features of his music is the way his compositions constantly morph and evolve in unexpected directions taking the listener on a journey of sound. A blend of new age, ambient, and electronic; Dale’s music is meticulously crafted, multi-layered sonic artistry that should appeal to fans of musicians such as Jean Michel Jarre, Tangerine Dream, and Kitaro. While his electronic excursions are often sophisticated, there is a sense of playfulness that pervades throughout the album. And just when you think you’ve heard all that a song has to offer, he’ll throw in a little surprise at the end that brings a smile. Although the album is relatively short at just under forty minutes, its’ nine songs provide such a rich feast for your ears that you feel comfortably full after listening.
The CD opens with “Better Days” which grabs you from the first notes and whisks you away on a bouncy groove that brims with positive energy. Interspersed around the rhythm track are strings, an evocative piano melody, children’s voices, and a variety of electronic sounds and ear candy. I also enjoyed the change up in the last movement of the piece. This is one of the happiest-sounding songs I’ve heard in a while, and perhaps my favorite track on the album. It obviously also appeals to others, as evidenced by the fact that it was licensed for use in a documentary produced by the University Of Wisconsin.
The upbeat vibe continues with “Faded Trip”, which kicks off with a funky bass line that reminded me of 70’s era Herbie Hancock. I don’t know if there is a musical genre called “new age funk” but if there were, this song would fit right in. It also has a nice breakdown towards the end where the drums drop out and the song builds back up again. In typical fashion, it’s full of unexpected little touches including something as unlikely and esoteric as Tuvan throat singers. Dale describes this piece as being inspired by “all the trips we plan in our heads, talk about, but never take.” This song certainly sets sail for exotic lands.
Ethnic influences are also evident on the next piece, “Eastern Signs” which includes Thai and Japanese voices. One thing that stood out to me on this song, as well as in other places on the CD, is Dale’s interesting use of digital delay effects, where the echoes of notes create rhythmic patterns, oftentimes bouncing back and forth between the speakers – very cool, especially with headphones.
“Fade” is a diverse album, which in addition to the ethnic flavors offers a dash of other spices from up-tempo Euro-dance music to 80’s-style synth-pop. However, all these various elements are well integrated and the album has a cohesive feel overall. I really liked this CD a lot and particularly enjoyed all the little random sounds and sonic tidbits in the mix. There were quite a few “wow” moments while listening to it. Unlike a lot of music that is built on a predictable verse/chorus/verse structure, you never know what’s going to happen next with Dale’s compositions, and it keeps you listening to hear what delights are around the next corner.
Back to Reviews/PRs |
