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Writer's pictureAdam Jones - MusicFarmer5
Jul 14, 20233 min read

ALBUM REVIEW: Augustwolf presents "Visual Music"

Review by Adam Jones - MUSIC FARMER 5

A Grand Symphony of Global Collaboration

I had the immense privilege of reviewing AUGUSTWOLF's full-length album "Visual Music" - an intense musical adventure that defies all musical genres. The first word that comes to mind when listening to the album is "laughter" - but not the "funny" type of laughter. It's a distinguished type of laughter that only comes when you've discovered something so epic, so grand, and so special that you can’t believe what you're hearing. It's the same reaction I had when seeing the world-renowned "The House of Dancing Water" show in Macau - a reaction reserved only for the best.


Augustwolf's "Visual Music" is a shining example of the power of collaborative artistry, defying geopolitical boundaries and morphing them into a harmonious sonic story. This is not your run-of-the-mill album - it's a journey, an aural experience that transcends mere listening, transforming itself into a fully immersive spectacle.


The brainchild of two masterful minds, Douglas Wolf Reid and Oleh Andrievsky, who, despite the vast geographic separation and tumultuous global events, created an album that bridges the gap between cinematic soundtracks and rock music. It's this groundbreaking fusion that births the awe-inspiring essence of "Visual Music," the kind that elicits that distinguished type of laughter sparked by sheer wonder and exhilaration.


Each track unfolds like a carefully curated mini-movie, telling its own unique tale, no words needed. It's not just music - it's a painting, a symphony of colors splashed on a blank canvas, where notes become strokes, and rhythms form patterns. Together they create a dynamic and captivating piece of art that's as viscerally stimulating as it is sonically powerful.


The album opener "Pursuit" rouses the senses like a battle cry, evoking intense images of action and thrill, blending ambient distortions with high-octane drums, painting a vibrant opening scene to an epic adventure. As we move through the album, we find ourselves at the crossroads of genres - from the Disney fireworks-like grandeur of "The Sorcerer’s Audition" to the blues-infused spirit of "Jimmy Jam," each track offers a distinctive ambiance that lures you deeper into the narrative.


"Visual Music" isn't confined to one flavor or theme; it's a buffet of musical styles, demonstrating the versatility of Reid and Andrievsky's talents. "Cirque Show" and "Soften The Hammer" demonstrate this dexterity, paying homage to diverse musical traditions from around the globe, from Asian influences to western America motifs. These songs capture the essence of a journey that's both musically and geographically expansive.

 

The brainchild of two masterful minds, Douglas Wolf Reid and Oleh Andrievsky, who, despite the vast geographic separation and tumultuous global events, created an album that bridges the gap between cinematic soundtracks and rock music. It's this groundbreaking fusion that births the awe-inspiring essence of "Visual Music," the kind that elicits that distinguished type of laughter sparked by sheer wonder and exhilaration.
 

One cannot ignore the sublime tranquility of "On Douglas Pond," which harks back to George Harrison's magical musicality. Yet, the journey does not stop there (THIS IS NO TIME TO REST!) - we move quickly and smoothly towards the futuristic, jazzy "Urban Dossier 8F," a track we are very familiar with here at Music farmer 5 (click here to see our previous review of Urban Dossier 8F).


We enter Track 7 with the soothing, tropical rhythms of "LA LA CHILLAX." The song features some amazing saxophone work from Italian musician Manuel Trabbuco. There is a cacophony of wind chimes that engulf you, enveloping the listener like a translucent blanket, all the while Oleh's guitar and Manuel's saxophone dance in perfect harmony.


The pièce de résistance comes with the final track, "Ukraine, Peace, and War." It is a heartbreaking tribute to Andrievsky's homeland, symbolizing the tragic upheaval and the hopeful restoration of peace, wrapped in a production that can only be described as breathtaking. This is the essence of "Visual Music" - a soundtrack to the human experience, undeniably relatable, exceptionally crafted, and undeniably powerful.


In the era of technology and global connectivity, "Visual Music" stands as a glowing emblem of the power of artistry and collaboration, further proving that music is a unifying force that transcends borders, conflicts, and the passage of time. It's not just an album; it's a transcendent, visual-audio experience, a celebration of the resiliency of creativity amidst turmoil. It is a MUST-LISTEN for anyone seeking an audacious fusion of film score, rock music, and a medley of various musical genres.


Check out "Ukraine, Peace and War"

off the album Visual Music by Augustwolf below!👇



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