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Review by Bill Binkelman Stephen Rhodes' excellent blend of assorted synthesizers with piano make Protected By Angels a real ear pleaser, provided one enjoys the sound of "classic" new age music. Interweaving keyboards characteristic of the genre (angelic/ethereal chorales, bells and other twinkling types of tones, lush strings, and assorted warm washes and textures), the seven tracks on the CD are like bathing outside in warm water and under a deepening twilight sky. Laugh at my imagery if you must, but this is de-stressing music of the highest degree, at times on the same level as Liquid Mind (such as on the opening title track). Seldom if ever melodramatic (which, on some recordings with thematic ties to the mythology of or belief in angels, many artists fall prey to), the sweet gentle melodies unfold patiently and invitingly. The plucked harp that opens "Heavens Awake" leads into sweeping yet not overdone strings. Piano, again restrained, enters the song later and colors the proceedings in a soft violet glow of subtle melancholy. Unlike artists like Llewellyn and Kevin Kendle, Rhodes' music is lighter and airier (not meant as a qualitative judgment but more as a descriptive term), less concerned with refrain and strong melodies and more concentrated on creating a flowing atmosphere of calm and ethereal serenity. Rhodes uses a lot of different instruments throughout the CD as "spot performers" such as the flute at the start of "Angel of the Ocean" (lovely work there!). While on this song there is a small swelling of drama, it is so subtly done that it does not destroy the smooth flow of the album as a whole. Things become more powerful on "Archangel Michael" (which you'd expect given the title) but because of his choice of instrumentation (the keyboards have a Constance Demby-esque sound to them), it's not overdone, but seems appropriate. There is one track which suffers somewhat by comparison, and that's "In Company of Angels" which features piano much more prominently, with synths serving only as background embellishments for the most part, if at all. There are moments when this piece approaches a neo-classical sound, and I wasn't fond of those moments, since they seemed like they were from another album altogether. "Home in Paradise" (the closing song) ends on a more characteristic note, with harp, strings, and gentle beats that have a reverberating nature to them. Obviously, this album will appeal mostly to those people who do not recoil at the word "angels" in the title. Yes, the music is mostly warm, in major tonalities, and usually "pretty" so it stands to reason that if that represents anathema to you, avoid Protected by Angels at all costs. However, if find this kind of music relaxing, if not even healing (as, at times, I do) this CD is an excellent example of how to do things right. Chalk up another solid album from the artist and from New World Music. |
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