ZapTown

Project Skyward
Moved By Opposing Forces
Rocketgirl
Rating: 4 out of 5

Links:

Project Skyward Official Site: http://www.projectskyward.com/
Rocketgirl Records: https://www.rocketgirl.co.uk/

Not just something that could be played on Hearts Of Space, this is the music at the heart of musical space and time. A declaration like this is only enriched when you realize that predominate creator Ryan Field’s (aka “Skyward”) specialty is a degree in holistic science and astronomy.

And by knowing this, the sophomore release becomes more “real,” more dimensional, as Field moves through the songs like he is trying to understand the concepts of the universe one gushing note at a time. In his mind, this is what certain aspects of space sound like. In his mind, this is the soundtrack to the universe.

As a homage to one of Ptolemy’s constellations discovery, “Canis Major” opens up with glittering yet soft electronics broken by a sparse drum rhythm that sounds like the background to a Nova special, a compliment in my eyes. The song flawlessly transitions into “Sirius The Brightest Star,” logically understandable being that Sirius is a star located in the Canis Major constellation. This is our first glimpse at Field’s vocal abilities as he questions the laws of nature and the universe like an ancient philosopher.

Songs like “Superblaster” and “Hungry Ghost” brings in Lana Fia’s dream pop synths and complimenting vocals like the ghosts of Slowdive and Cocteau Twin are floating around in the heavens.

The style to Moved By Opposing Forces are tinged with remnants of incense and late night viewings of Tarkovsky. What makes this album work is that it is recorded so deeply and sincerely, that it does not matter if this album was created in 1989 or 2009. The combination of ambient structure, minimal synth hallucinations and dream pop sonatas work as this spiraling ball of musical energy breathes in slow motion.

This is not some academic getting his ya-yas out based on the product of his experience, Field is an accomplished musician who keeps the essence of his influences close to him while learning from and feeding off of his colleagues. Moved By Opposing Forces clearly and fearlessly demonstrates that.

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