This review covers the ambient trance track Orbital – Halcyon + On + On.
This track was released in 1993 on a self-titled album.
The track starts off with some synth strings. A subtle choir element is layered on top of it this. A piano element then makes a subtle appearance. After a while, a female vocal then comes in in a non-lyrical fashion. A bassline then makes an appearance. A guitar element then comes in.
From there, the drum kit then comes in. There is a much more prominent vocal presence, but it remains of a non-lyrical variety. The vocals then disappear, leaving the general drum kit, bassline, and synth strings. The vocals then continue on like before. The guitar element makes a return. Towards the end of this section, the vocals become chopped.
In the next section, the synth strings make a return along with the drum kit. The chopped vocals make a return. An additional feature in the vocals is also layered on top of the existing vocals. From there, the bassline makes a return. The chopped vocals disappear, leaving just the regular vocals. This is backed by a synth string element that serves as a sort of pad.
From there, some of the pad elements go away along with a few of the vocal elements. The guitar element makes a brief return. Large portions of the drum kit then go away. The rest then disappear, leaving the bassline, strings, and vocals. Those elements disappear save for the vocals and string synth. The remaining elements then take the track out.
One thing I really like about this track is the overall pleasant sound it has to offer. It’s such a relaxing track that has that silky sound to it as well. It really nails that angelic sound overall.
The vocals plays a big part in this. There is a lot of layers to these vocals and non of them are lyrical. There is even a chopped vocal part which gives this track such a nice variety without having to change a whole lot. They sound great.
The bassline gives this track some much needed grounding and energy. That along with the kick really moves this track along.
My only criticism I have of this track is that it is very drawn out. It could have been shorter. This is the only reason I won’t be calling this a great track.
Overall, this is a very solid track. If you want something that is soft to the ears and sounds uplifting, this track is a great candidate for that. It has great layered vocals, nice synth strings, and has an overall angelic and relaxing sound to it all. It’s unfortunate that it is rather drawn out. Still, it is a well done track that is worth listening to.
Score
7.5/10
Drew Wilson on Twitter: @icecube85 and Facebook.
