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"Angelmark" is only $15.00CAN plus shipping and taxes where applicable!

Angelmark "Angelmark"
ambience from multi-instrumentalist Michael Turner

Angelmark is the solo project of Michael Turner who is also half of the group Titania. On this self-titled release the use of six- and 12-stringed guitars is very prominent. What we experience is an electronic album full of guitar sounds, both of acoustically strummed ones and of melodic, electric guitars, mixed together very evocatively. Slight synth washes float in the background with occasional piano touches, giving one a feeling of lying in bed throughout the day, with a loved one in your arms. Very lush and warm, cozy songs, all having the same tone, but with a light and sheltering, gooey atmosphere. And a unique aspect of the guitar murmurs of Angelmark is that while the electric have an ambient, looping drive to them, the acoustic often sound like a form of medieval plucked string music. This is truly an ambient recording but what sets it apart are the many recognisable guitar sounds within, which actually turn out to be the base structure of the entire CD.

Garet Guitard - Exclaim!

Angelmark is the project of Canadian artist and musician Michael Turner, whose main project is a band called Titania. It's a bit odd to think of this as a different project, because the two bands are definitely cut from the same cloth. Where Titania relies on heavenly female vocals, Angelmark is strictly an instrumental affair, and these songs sound like--you guessed it--an instrumental version of Titania. It's okay, though, because the vocals really aren't the focus here--what's most important is the atmosphere of the record.

Instead, we're given an intimate taste of Michael Turner solo, alone. Angelmark 's instrumental landscapes are as cold and as grey as the mental picture you might have of Canada, and all twelve of these songs never fail to invoke a chilled atmosphere. When Turner's primary instrument in the song is guitar (such as 'The Golden Mean') and it invokes Cocteau Twins' mastermind Robin Guthrie and occasionally Durutti Column's Vini Reilly. When the songs are more keyboard-based (such as "Brighter Days" and "Low & Slow") it's very similar to Brian Eno and Harold Budd. Turner varies the style quite nicely, creating a nice, steady atmosphere that never becomes dull.

Angelmark is a very pretty record, one that's perfect for those hazy evenings at home or those late nights when you cannot sleep. There's nothing more charming than simple beauty, and Angelmark is simply beautiful.

Joseph Kyle - mundanesounds.com

Angelmark is a solo project by Michael Turner of Titania showcasing Turner's instrumental talents. Largely based around his impressive guitar playing skills, with this release Turner has created a stunning work of melancholy beauty and atmospheric ambience that brings to mind the more meditative side of the shoegazer genre.

The entire disc is filled with elegant and charming work. Beautiful layered guitar plays overtop a subtle wash of synth pads and evolving tones. Clean acoustic guitar is paired with effected electric in such a way as to allow both to weave around themselves, with subtle melodies intertwining and complimenting eachother. Themes and phrases drift through the soundfield, circling around the listener to create a delicate nocturnal world filled with beauty and perfection. Phrases and tones slowly shift and evolve in hypnotic patterns. Occasional keyboard melodies add atmosphere and depth to the tracks.

Without doubt, "Angelmark" is a captivating and engaging release by a true talent who understands the beauty of the guitars sound. Fans of Michael's work with Titania will no doubt be impressed by this disc, as will others who appreciate chilled ambient guitar work.

rik - ping things