NOVACHILD

“Traveller”
Label: self-released
Official Website
(4/5)

“Traveller” is the second full length release from the Tulsa, OK. project Novachild. Revolving pads, textures, smooth transitions, the occasional guitar and well constructed beats are at the core of this disc. However, what separates this disc from the legions of other ambient releases birthed into the world is it’s excellent tone. “Traveller” is not without purpose and as it’s title suggests, the music is on it’s way somewhere and in no rush to get there. Whether on that long road trip to nowhere or just watching the sun go on about it’s business… “Traveller” is an excellent accompaniment to the passage of time. While the tempo may vary from a brisk clip to a slower pace, make no mistake: this disc was made for chilling. My only complaint about the disc sits entirely with one track and it’s a shame because most of the track is well executed. The excellently titled “Yesterday is a Lonely Place” is, for the most part, a good song but it’s bogged down part way through with the annoying auto-tuner/vocoder effect hammered into history by the Cher track “Believe”. Not that it’s anywhere near as obnoxious but nevertheless, the effect is noticeable enough to get in the way. That aside, “Traveller” is an excellent release for any fan of laid back grooves, ambient textures and creative song writing. Fans of Tangerine Dream, Drome and µ-Ziq will find a lot to appreciate with this release. Stand out tracks: “Late Sun Smooth Asphalt”, “Memories and Dreams” and “Two Days Ago the Sky was Blue”. The CD “Traveller” is available for purchase through Novachild’s website.

-Chvad SB