{"id":9039,"date":"2023-04-24T20:35:47","date_gmt":"2023-04-24T18:35:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kessel-tamerus.nl\/Esthers_Blog\/?p=9039"},"modified":"2025-11-30T11:49:30","modified_gmt":"2025-11-30T10:49:30","slug":"rick-miller-altered-states","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kessel-tamerus.nl\/Esthers_Blog\/cd-recensie\/rick-miller-altered-states\/","title":{"rendered":"Rick Miller – Altered States"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Multi-instrumentalist Rick Miller draws inspiration from bands like Pink Floyd, The Alan Parsons Project and The Moody Blues. His latest album is called Altered States, meaning changing states of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The title track is directly the opening track. With its soft, mysterious start (with all sorts of details), you are immediately drawn into the music. The dreamy vocals match the lyrics and are in harmony with the rather slow music. Vocal parts are interspersed with extended instrumental parts. The vocals are sometimes stacked, moreover, the vocals are sometimes used as an instrument. There are many twists and turns, including strings, bass and (compelling) guitar playing. The sound is very good and everything is nicely distributed over the headphones. This makes the many details stand out. Despite the many details and the complex build-up, it feels very relaxing to listen. ‘Altered States’ seems to end, but it’s a twist that includes sampled sounds and spoken words. The music is very unique. That goes for both the melange \/ alternation between the various instruments, and the added details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The instrumental ‘New Moon Prelude’ almost makes you feel like you are in a jungle. The combination of flute playing and percussion is beautiful, again the clear sound stands out. The flow remains pleasantly calm. ‘Wolf Moon’ also has a special intro. The vocals are a bit monotonous at times, but the music certainly isn’t. There is a lot to listen to, including: acoustic and electric guitar sounds and flute playing. At times, the atmosphere is mysterious, this is partly due to the sound of howling wolves and percussion. There are unusual transitions, for instance because of the string instruments. Regularly, there are quite a few layers in vocals and music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the hint of music and the sound of birds, the intro of ‘Borrowed Time’ also draws attention. The sound of a female voice merges with the music. The sound of a ticking clock suits the whole scene. This track is also wonderfully constructed. The sound of the string instruments is very special. The slightly rocking elements are during the instrumental pieces, this keeps the friendly (stacked) vocals unified with the music. ‘The Trap’ starts very subdued, a few short changes between string instruments and rocking elements follow. The songs belong to each other, which can be heard in the flute playing, among other things. The remarkable details and use of instruments remain captivating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The instrumental intro of ‘Old Secrets’ gives me goosebumps. The details and changes in the music are larger than in the vocals. This could not be otherwise, as an instrument has far more options than a voice. The lyrics are not meant to be sung along, but they are meant to be listened to. There are several instrumental songs, such as ‘Half Moon’. The details and the combination\/interchange of instruments keep me fascinated from the first second. The (stacked) vocals in ‘A Dream Within A Dream’ are friendly. After a turn there are spoken words. Elements of the beginning return. In ‘Full Moon Rising’, I am again touched by the music and sampling. This last track is very short, I could have listened to this for much longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The vocals are mostly slow, as if Rick is in a different level of consciousness. Overall, the music is quiet in structure. The extraordinary way the instruments are arranged, and the many details are phenomenal. This album is at its best if you listen with headphones\u2026 and just listen only. ‘Altered States’ is a wonderful album to enjoy in all quietness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(90\/100) (Progressive Promotion Records<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Social media<\/strong>:
Facebook: Rick Miller<\/a>.
Bandcamp: Rick Miller<\/a>.
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