Summer is over, the weather is getting worse, and maybe it's not ideal to go outside unless you want to get soaking wet, but at the same time you want to reconnect with mother nature. Well, C. S. Fuqua might have the solution for you. Their album "Precipice of Faith" will immediately transport you to a solitary mountain peak, where you will be able to hike and explore the surrounding woods, all without moving from your couch. That's the evocative power of this album.
The twelve tracks all follow very similar patterns, with layers of clean and acoustic guitars overlapping and intertwining with each other, creating peaceful harmonies upon which the lead melodies can shine like sunrays through the clouds after a brief summer rain. The melodies are often performed by the guitar, but in many songs we find also the presence of various folk instruments, mostly Native American flutes, which add a lot to the meditative atmosphere of the album. The drums tend to be more in the background, but they serve the song properly and they help pushing the music forward (because meditative doesn't mean lacking in energy!). Ocaasionally we have some pleasant sound effects that contribute to give the music a spacious and wide sound. For example I believe that in a few tracks a rainstick was used to create a rustling sound in the background, which made me imagine the wind lifting up dead leaves on the pavement.
There is a very interesting mix of influences. The main vibe is a sort of acoustic fusion (I hear echoes of Steve Morse's "Highland Wedding" here and there), and the traditional Native American music is adding a very interesting touch to the whole thing. Some passages sound almost prog (the track "Ghost" reminded me of the band Yes).
The production is perfectly balanced, making the listening experience immersive and soothing.
I really wish I had discovered this album sooner. Give it a try!