journal
Abstract Expression - "quite an enjoyable discovery"
By Dave on Saturday, June 9th 2007 10:39 pm
Review in ProGGnosis
MJBrady
over at ProGGnosis has published his thoughts on Abstract Expression. Here
are some highlights.
Abstract Expression, a fitting title, is where Kulju demonstrates his writing talents, as well as his multi-instrumental skills.
...
Each song is carefully constructed allowing many changes and swings in tempo, as well as mood. So no monotony to stifle the listening experience.
...
This is most definitely the most mature and professional sound recording I have heard from the Electrum camp to date, and have found the cd to be quite an enjoyable discovery.
Brady makes several flattering observations about the album and I'm very gratified by his positive remarks. However, if you read the full review, he makes one understandable assumption that actually is not at all true. I am not the primary composer for Electrum nor do I dictate the musical direction of the band (and that direction with my work inside or outside of Electrum has never been to try to emulate the sound of any other specific artist).
In any event I don't deserve the lion's share of the blame er...
credit for Electrum's music.
Review from artrock.se
I don't speak Swedish and the
online translation sites don't seem to offer much illumination to what Conny
over at artrock.se thinks...but going by the sheer number of oomlots it
looks good to me.
Here is an excerpt.
Albumets klara höjdare är ändå längsta skapelsen ”Somnium” på dryga 15 minuter. Ett progressivt stycke som innehar allt man kan önska sig inom genren. Herr Kulju imponerar med sitt låtskrivande som framhäver melodin snarare en det tekniska kunnandet. En mer än godkänd debut och som vanligt med instrumentala album skulle säkerligen även denna nå högre höjder med några vokala insatser.
An online translation site yeilded the following...
The album's clear bigwigs are nevertheless the longest creation” Somnium” on just over 15 minutes. A progressive paragraph that holds all man can to desire itself within the genre. Mr. Kulju impresses with your tune type that highlights the melody the a nearer the technical know-how. A more even validated debut and as common with instrumentala albums willed doubtless also this reach higher heights with some vokala initiatives.
Regarding the last sentence I'm not sure if that means I should sing, or drink vodka...maybe both.
Some new Distributors on board
By Dave on Sunday, June 3rd 2007 6:06 pm
A few distributors have decided to pick up the CD in the last week (see list in the sidebar). Most notably the progressive rock vendor/label Kinesis. Larry provides good honest (not fluff-job) reviews of the CDs he sells. Here some of what he has to say about Abstract Expression.
This album is more imaginative than most guitarist’s CDs, more richly textured and symphonic. In fact, forget it’s a guitarist’s CD and just think of it as a very enjoyable instrumental progressive rock album at an attractive price.
CD Baby and Guitar 9 both cater to independent artists like myself. So if your are picking up my CD and in the mood to go shopping take some time to browse around over there. At CD Baby I discovered a fantastic trio called the Travis Larson Band and ordered their CD Suspension on Friday.
Electrum to begin working on a 3rd CD
By Dave on Saturday, May 26th 2007 4:46 pm
Well it has certainly been quite a layoff since our 2002 release "Standard Deviation" but that will be coming to a close in a just a few weeks as we have decided to begin work on a new collection of music. Yay!
Abstract Expression Review from Sea of Tranquility
By Dave on Thursday, May 24th 2007 8:16 pm
... All instrumental, and not just a "guitar lovers" experience, Abstract Expression blends many styles and moods, proving that Kulju has a penchant for songwriting in addition to his fine guitar and keyboard skills.
... Abstract Expression is a fun listen, highly melodic, and recommended to those who like instrumental progressive rock with a touch of jazz-fusion.
Read the full review by Pete Pardo at Sea of Tranquility.
First Impressions
By Dave on Sunday, May 20th 2007 9:59 pm
Here are the intial thoughts from one owner of Abstract Expression posted out there on the internet. I like any review that contains the words BUY THIS ALBUM.
OK, just popped it in the home system - on track 3 now. I'll put up a more detailed review later... but...
BUY THIS ALBUM.
Very well done. The production is really to be admired.
So far, it is based on solid grooves and interesting time signatures, as opposed to pure wankery on any one instrument.
It is genuinely interesting... and did I mention the mix? Wowza. Very niiiiiiiice!
Many times, a solo effort is overly focused on one instrument. Not this one. Well rounded, indeed.
Wonderful job, Dave!!!!!!
And I think I deserve some credit for resisting the urge to quote and post a photo of Sally Fields at the Oscars.
They're Heeeere
By Dave on Wednesday, May 16th 2007 9:23 pm
I picked up the CDs late this afternoon and was able to dash off to the post office down in Salem to get the pre-orders mailed out. So you folks who preordered should have the CDs in a few days. I'll be sending out the promotional copies tomorrow morning.
So anyway, this is what 1029 CDs looks like.
I'm gonna need a bigger basement.
(what's with me and the
Spielberg references tonight???).