ROGIER

From the shadow to the sun

Quantum Records (2004)

review by Dene Bebbington

I've heard many good debut albums before but this is the best so far. Self-taught musician Rogier Van Gaal has created something not far short of a masterpiece with From the shadow to the sun, an album that comprises recordings made over the five years between 1998 and 2003. Influenced by many of the big names in the electronic music scene (Vangelis, Kitaro, J.M.Jarre, Yanni, and Tangerine Dream to name some) his compositions are particularly reminiscent of Vangelis due to the big synth symphonic style to be found on many tracks.

The album structure is a little unusual in that it contains fourteen basically discrete tracks, though some are segued, of which five could possibly be classed as an album within an album. Interspersed throughout the first ten tracks are five parts of "Closer to the truth." These are the most emotionally charged pieces on the album and have quite a cinematic quality. They're the sort of pieces that you can easily imagine being used in the soundtrack to an uplifting film, and "Closer to the truth Part 1" could even bring a tear to one's eye in the right circumstances.

A girlfriend once said that I like dramatic songs -- she was right -- and that's surely why this album appeals to me so much. From the shadow to the sun oozes stirring, contemplative, and inspiring emotions in a way that is rare on an electronic music album - it's not afraid to tug at the heartstrings and the soul. Rogier has a gift for melodies that I've noticed in John Kerr's music, especially of the emotional yet expansive kind. Whether it's the majestic synth tracks, the more exciting rhythmic pieces, the flutey or piano melodies, this album delivers superb music in spades. This is an album I'd love to hear while [seated] looking across the Himalayas which presumably inspired the track called "Himalaya mountains." What a combination of awe inspiring scenery and music that would be!

What else can I say?! From the shadow to the sun is certain to be on my list of favourites for 2004. I encourage anyone who likes stirring emotional music to get a copy as you won't regret it. This is the sort of album I'd recommend to people who don't normally listen to synth music to show them what they're missing!