Distant Lights, "Simulacrum," CD Review

In a world of one-hit-wonders and Mp3 singles, it's good to know that creating a full-length album is an art form that still exists. Distant Lights, with their CD, Simulacrum, have taken this art form to an impressive level. Simulacrum offers a great storyline set to beautiful landscapes of artwork and lyrics. The final product is phenomenal. 

The first thing you'll notice when you look at Simulacrum is the great artwork that graces the cover and pages of the insert. This artwork, design, and layout was produced by art director Rich Knepprath (from Fireside Creative), Paul Johnson, and band member Gaelen Bellamy. It is a well organized collection of dark animations that follow the story of the album perfectly. 

The music that goes along with this artwork is also very professional, and very unique. Distant Lights offer an ambient rock production that leans slightly toward the heavier end of the spectrum (even with the presence of a cello). The sound is great, and the musicianship is stellar. 

It was suggested to me that the best way to experience this CD was to listen to the music, follow the artwork, and read along with the lyrics. That is what I did, and I truly was impressed at the vision behind this project. The storyline, by guitarist and backing vocalist Gaelan Bellamy, starts by looking at the human condition. He examines the control we are under by things that we perceive we cannot change. Being almost in a dream-like state, the character in this story later awakens to realize that as difficult as it may be, when people unite, change can be accomplished. In "Emptiness and Ever,” the final tune of the disc, singer Gabriel Fry proclaims, "Focus on the coming trees / Aloft like birds we rise above / New consciousness remains / A greater good is garnered here." 

Though there is a great advantage to taking in the artwork, songs, and lyrics as a whole, there certainly are standout hits on Simulacrum, such as my favorite tune, "Artifice." It opens with a brilliantly played composition by cellist Jon Dexter (who also plays keyboards on the album). The band soon joins in as the guitar doubles the cello. Backed by drummer Chris Hynes and bassist Sam Marshall, "Artifice" and other tunes on this disc offer musical changes that are pleasingly intricate and unexpected.

Simulacrum is the manifestation of a very complex vision molded perfectly by a great team of artists, musicians, producer David Dreesen, and recording personnel. You'll certainly enjoy the great tunes this CD has to offer. However, you'll enjoy the experience much more if you take in the entire story, artwork, and vision that Distant Lights has created with their standout release, Simulacrum. 

Artist Website: www.myspace.com/distantlightsmusic

Reviewed By: ListenersGeneration.com