Released
1998
Label
Ultramarine Blue Productions
Reviewed by
Kim Alexander
Visit
Ultra Marine Blue
Productions
Last Edit/Update
13 March, 1999
Track Listing
1. Sway
2. Out Of The Blue
3. Hallelujah
4. Death Valley
5. Into Focus
6. Holiday In Hell
7. Chant
8. Lives We Leave Behind
9. Sister
10. Big Sur
Out
Of The Blue is a charming progressive blend of contemporary electronica, synth
work, vocals, classical elements and a dash of cocktail lounge music which adds to the
diverse range of talents of Maureen Evans- Hanson. The tracks
represent beautifully flowing vocals by Maureen and Kristina
Eller on Sway, a powerful piece of ambient music. Crisp yet smooth
experimental with a touch of classical elements paints visions of impending doom and
escape [maybe a soundtrack for a thriller film?] in Out Of The Blue. Clicks
and the sounds of hydraulic percussion, samples and bass layered with keys and sax
dominate Hallelujah, while bass and lead guitar add dimension on a pulsing beat
with symphonic undertones in Death Valley.
A more upbeat tempo hails in the synthy bass track Into Focus,
and races along the electro-path of contemporary music. Holiday In Hell.
OH BOY! I think I've been there! Maureen masters her keyboard in
this unusual fast paced off beat and wicked journey of perpetual synth wierdness!
The release isn't without it's share of deep dronal and bass with a light melodic
touch of keys, sampled effects (?) blended with orchestral choral and bells that are found
in Chant. Powerful and intense drums, (vocoded?) female voice, synths and a
militant beat bring forth a sense of finality and uneasiness in Lives We Leave Behind.
Reminds me of In The Nursery and Death In June
blended with bits of Kraftwerkian structure !
A dreamy melodic song, Sister combines modern lounge piano with
a tribal drum percussion and cinematic synthscapes and rhythm. Big Sur
progressively works synth, keys and a rolling pop beat with changing timbre, drums and
organ taking the listener to the aural grandeur of the Northern West Coast of the Pacific
Ocean, usa.
Out Of The Blue is yet another wonderful release by an
incredible woman -- Maureen Evans-Hanson. Don't miss this CD!
