Out today, ‘Once Upon a Cloudtop Meadow’ is a magnificent, imaginative and expansive album, the latest work by enlightened composer and creative Inal Bilsel. Hailing from Nicosia, on the Mediterranean Island of Cyprus, Bilsel champions a deeply eclectic outlook, blending orchestral symphonies with playful atmospheres and dreamy soundscapes. Borrowing from anything contemporary and traditional, the result comes very close to new-age goodness, although there’s a certain amount of dynamism and rhythms in it.
We are very impressed by ‘Once Upon a Cloudtop Meadow’, and frankly, it’s unlike anything we have heard before. Featuring 14 wonderful pieces, the album introduces itself rather slowly, with ‘Once Upon a Time’ gradually introducing the many influences that make Bilsel such a complete artist. Jazz-flavoured drums, orchestral strings and electronic textures: everything plays a role in making ‘Once Upon a Cloudtop Meadow’ the unique record it is.
From a technical standpoint, each piece is truly nuanced and detailed, with surprises such as the use of Impulse Response Reverb, helping the production assume even more lusciousness and uniqueness. As we are told: “The use of IR reverb captured from personal spaces and sampled vocal elements adds layers of intimacy and nostalgia, inviting listeners on an evocative journey through sound.”
Recommended! Discover ‘Once Upon a Cloudtop Meadow’ on Spotify:
