This album eases in with "Glory," which has a soothing vibe, feeling like it is tapping into something eternal. There is no rush, no haste. Rather, there is a calming presence in the center. And as light plays upon the edges, upon the surface, there is an energy that reacts to it. A little later something seems to rise from below, so though it is eternal, it is not unchanging. It is still in motion, even if there is no urgency to that motion. That leads straight into "Vista Point," which has this force that manifests as a humming at the center, something we can rely on, while we touch upon the variations we see. Soon it is those very differences that take precedence, that become the landscape, pinnacles to reach, shifting from shadow into light.
We are in more familiar territory with "Dusty Air," and so we feel at ease, relaxed, as if walking through a landscape of memories, a landscape that allows for contemplation. Light doesn't penetrate as much here, and doesn't need to, for everything is clear in our minds. We can recall the path, even with eyes closed, even if reality wavers a bit, like each step creates ripples in the land and air. That final step lifts us to an unexpected and uncertain plateau, but we're happy to be there. Then there is a bright, sharp feeling to the opening of "Sundrops." The music soon settles into a prettier space, that sharp aspect still present, but cushioned by softer, gentler surroundings. It feels like there is wisdom there, that there is something to be learned, to be experienced, or to be remembered. Hints are repeated to us, and just as we do begin to remember, to feel comforted and comfortable, certain elements fall away, and only one or two voices remain. They slow, and then, finally, let us know that we are okay.
As "Gnosis" begins, a magical light plays down upon us, penetrating not only the darkness but rock, while we are in a subterranean dwelling, one with silver pools. There is an echo, something tapping. We are curious. If we move forward or backward, it doesn't matter, because what we need to know, what we need to experience, is all around us. This is a wonderful, interesting piece. It's followed by "The Stream Of Life." Here a gentle, steady voice welcomes us first, and then another voice comes in, this one brighter, perhaps more powerful, though it does not drown out the softer rhythm that was already there. And in fact, it soon begins to settle upon it, ride it, in effect, as if finding its own place on the great continuum, its voice now singing. There is an undeniable beauty here in that guitar work. This is another of my favorite tracks.
Then begins the five-part sequence, "Orange Sunset." Interestingly, it takes us back to the place of "Gnosis," as lights, as thoughts, trickle down around us, as our own footsteps echo and join those of whatever else may be traveling this path. With the second part, deeper colors now play upon the landscape, upon our thoughts. Dark reds and purples. Something is in motion, tossing reflections against various surfaces and watching them play, knowing they are but reflections and can't stray too far. A hand reaches into the deepest pool, disturbing the water, watching it rush about it, in on itself. In "Orange Sunset Pt. 3," a new power makes itself known, striking across our vision, flashing in straight lines in various places, one above another, leaving color behind, until everything is crackling with yellows and oranges. And upon that newly primed canvas, various creatures can add their thoughts, and they do so with excitement. "Orange Sunset Pt. 4" begins in a darker place, one that tastes of eternity itself, its fingers wrapping around the corners and striking ancient bells, if only to summon itself, to raise itself from something that is not quite slumber to slip into a different reality.
The final section, or part, of this piece, "Orange Sunset Pt. 5," moves more tentatively, lightly touching upon the surfaces, until it is certain of its goal, of its destination. Then with more confidence, more speed, it continues its pattern, its movement. Until that movement, that light, becomes somewhat muted, as a rising hum joins its space, and then all slips into that darkness. That leads to the album's final track, "The Darkest Night." And into this space reaches those last strains of light, playing against, or upon, an old, deep heart. Then there is a change, as if the world slips into slumber, and a vision steps out of the dream, though its form is too hazy, too undefined for us to be certain of its reality, of its meaning. It's difficult to hold onto the vision, and as we let go, something new announces itself before the end.
CD Track List
- Glory
- Vista Point
- Dusty Air
- Sundrops
- Gnosis
- The Stream Of Life
- Orange Sunset Pt. 1
- Orange Sunset Pt. 2
- Orange Sunset Pt. 3
- Orange Sunset Pt. 4
- Orange Sunset Pt. 5
- The Darkest Night
Clouds 6 was released on June 1, 2026.
