Eros

Review by: Kathryn
Ray Sharp – Eros

Ray Sharp’s second album, Eros, features ambient/down-tempo electronic music. The sound has a distinct quality caused by the layering of piano solos over the rhythmic electronic beat. Much of the album has a groove that is easy to listen to, while some tracks have an aggressive edge that intensifies the sultry mood the album possesses.

The first track, Skuza, exemplifies the style of the CD, yet manages to be a very individualized song. The music starts off simply, then builds, adding instruments and styling that make the track almost flow through your body. The piano lends to the feel of the song and pulls the listener in. After the first track the listener is hooked and each consecutive song only increases this feeling.

Pathos is an exceptional arrangement of instrumentals with a smooth, haunting vocal superimposed as a finishing touch. Again, the track builds throughout the song adding new and distinct elements at every turn. What starts out as a song that makes you want to dance ends as a song you have to dance to.

For a song that has a very smooth blend the listener can turn to Ephapsis. This song has a tranquil, soothing quality in the beginning that grows into a swelling storm of rhythm. The song moves like an ocean; starting like a gentle caress and growing to a tumbling, crashing of waves before settling back into the relaxing rhythm that brought the listener in to the song like the sea returning after the raging storm.

Each track on the album allows the listener to enjoy a blending of sounds that flow together, yet hold their own individuality as well. No one instrument overwhelms any other, while each combination within the songs holds a new mystery and blend of sensations. The entire album has an unforced quality to it that fulfills a promise of pleasing music that has a sensual nature.


The album can be previewed at www.myspace.com/raysharp or at his site www.raysharp.com