MYSTIC OF THE HORIZON Amiranashvili

Chabuka Amiranashvili, composer; performer
Memo Music (2021)

Chabuka Amiranashvili’s new collection for Memo Music commences with ‘We Will Survive’ akin a John Williams score with whirring brass and droplets of ‘purer’ electronic sound. ‘In Past’ offers restful piano motifs accompanied by a gentle pattering of drum pads. These elements shift in timbre and dynamic range, conjoined by the echoing rasp of a pan flute. I would have also enjoyed it without it being ‘pinned down’ melodically. 


‘Bao Bao’ is warm synth clusters and sparkling chimes, reminiscent of a 1980s Vangelis soundtrack. In exposition, intervals descend, very satisfyingly, on electric piano. And again, those warm synth clusters in ‘Svani’ with a simple piano tune floating above. The forces intertwine, in a dual narration, becoming part of the other. Its structural balance consistent, it is one of the best compositions on the album.

‘Small’ seems an easy styling of a wordless Soul ballad, employing attractive and jazzy beats. Amiranashvili is an artist drawing upon a range of cultural influences, expressed with commendable honesty. ‘Imeruli’ comprises waterlike harp strums alongside the drone of low strings. Both voices gently build, altering course but not too far.

‘From High’ features plucked strings and a marimba-like melody of Eastern intonation. More contrast for the collection. ‘Invisible’ has a sense of Romanticism though is innately modern. It is another delicate mix of simple piano and soothing background strings. The styling of synthetic sounds alongside acoustic tambour samples in the title track is effective and pleasing, cymbals and piano opening-up its atmosphere.

‘When Do You Feel Pain’ is march-like and faintly warrior-esque. A heightened sense of order seems also to reduce the fluidity of the electronic/acoustic blend. The deep and resonant strings near close leave room for further exploration. Finally, something different again, on ‘Amin’, with raw pipes alongside vocal sounds. This is overlaid by a child’s narration of the Georgian ‘Lord’s Prayer’ which is intriguing even in its brevity.

– Martin Slidel

Available to purchase here.


#Acoustic #Amiranashvili #ChabukaAmiranashvili #ContemporaryMusic #CuGateClassics #Electronic #FilmMusic #MartinSlidel #MemoMusic #MusicReview #NewAge #NewRelease #Soundtrack

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