David Arkenstone

Music Inspired By Middle Earth Vol. II

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Music Inspired By Middle Earth Vol. II

A five time Grammy nominee who has a knack for storytelling and can construct instrumental swells of imagination that, on this listen, explore fantasy and magical ideas.

“Shadow Of The Past” opens the listen with eerie, wordless vocals, as a very hazy atmosphere unfolds in a ominous, cinematic sort of way, and “The Green Dragon” follows with a much more upbeat approach of bright winds and playful drumming.

Further on, “Servant Of The Secret Fire” is textured cautiously amid the classical and tribal nods, while “The Great River- The Argonath” flows with a sonic appeal that allows the strings to radiate warmth and mystery.

Inching towards the end, “The White Tree Of Gondor” weaves in and out of light and dark layers that emit a diverse vision, and “The Returning” exits the listen with a dreamy, vocal-less display of ambient and mesmerizing song craft.

Volume I of this series was actually released 20 years ago, and this follow up certainly continues the influence of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord Of The Rings, and touches on New Age moments in the very distinct, sometimes soothing, other times hypnotic landscapes.

Travels well with: Clint Mansell- Stoker; Colin Stetson- Hereditary