A medieval bard, an electronic music producer, and a soundtrack composer walk into a bar... it sounds like the beginning of a joke, but I can clearly envision it as the event that gave birth to this album. Yes, because "Februa" is an eclectic work that blends together musical styles that can appear widely distant, but they magically come together under the skilled hands of Daniel Crommie. The result is a kaleidoscope of sounds that could be the perfect soundtrack for a time-travelling sci-fi series, where the listener is bounced back and forth between the digital atmosphere of a futuristic spaceship and the great hall of an ancient king where the ministrels delight the nobles with their music.
The vibe is generally relaxed, but there are moments of tension and interesting contrast, where the listener is kept on the edge, wondering where is the music heading towards, trapped in this multi-dimensional rollercoaster that challenges every law of physics.
I particularly appreciated the incorporation of the woodwind instruments, which are particularly expressive, almost like they are telling a wordless story. They narrate adventures and wild landscapes, frantic chases and peaceful canyons.
In conclusion, "Februa" is an album that escaped each and every of my attempts at labelling it. Elusive, magnetic, intense, and creative are surely the best adjectives I can think of to describe it. Don't let its lenght discourage you, when the last track will end you might be left wanting for more!