As more people become familiar with Nocturnal Omissions’ music, they’ll soon learn that each release has its own identity and artistic agenda. The 2019 release of “Ascendant Sea” is an interesting album, as each song had a geographic place that influenced it. Check out the album below:
Hearing this album directly after Nocturnal Omissions’ 2006 album “Divine Atrocities” is a bit jarring as they sound from two completely different artists. Where the former was the music to a late-night rave, the latter is the dawn of crisp, Spring day, just as the Eastern horizon fills with sunlight. Every song thereafter represents the backdrop between destinations on a road trip of audio delight.
“Aural Turbulence” is a rocking intro and lets us know we’re in for something new. The sinister tone is dark and edgy with lots of flavor in the drum mix. Midway through, electronica elements are thrown into the fray reminiscent of dubstep that is sure to ramp up the crowd at a festival. The track is somewhat of an anomaly, as the rest of the album is less reliant on pronounced synth leads.
“International Dateline” has a killer groove and nicely layered guitars provide a robust driving force. It’s the perfect song to roll down the window to and let the breeze flow through your hair. Nocturnal Omissions demonstrates he is talented at writing music with all kinds of instruments, such as the piano undertones that add sophistication to this tune. “Alpine Train” presents a mid-tempo, synth-laden ambiance to relax to with an atmosphere that is other worldly and a perfect vibe for a cocktail on the beach. The groove continues hard here due to the catchy percussion. This song could work well as background music for a travel documentary–and that’s what “Ascendant Sea” is as its core. The theme of traveling is strong and the focus isn’t on where we’re going, but the journey itself.
“Cascading Mountains” sounds 80s retro with its razor edge synth bass. The song has a fast tempo to keep you jovial yet the chord progressions give off mystifying-induced feelings. The guitar strums add a nice touch to this delightful ear treat.
One of the standout tracks is “Casa De Cielo,” as it’s another example of well-done mixing and mastering to make all the instruments sound clear and have their moment to shine. The string arrangement is a pleasant touch and takes the song to the next level. And we can’t forget about “Cruising Altitude,” which features funky guitar lines—the best on the album.
Overall, the tracks work well in sequence, offering very rhythmic beats, multi-layered guitars, and head-bobbing baselines. With inspiration coming from artists such as Tycho, TigerMilk (from Mainline Entertainment), Fleetwood Mac and No More Nations, the songs themselves are upbeat, though they can be subdued at times with piano and keyboard leads that offer a more contemplative approach. Each song provides distinct sounds on this unique trip and when it’s all done, you’ll remember every stop along the way. Next time you’re going cruising, listen to “Ascendant Sea” on your way to freedom.
Discover more of Nocturnal Omissions on Bandcamp, YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Instagram, Twitter and his website.
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