Mason van Kraayenburg has officially launched his ambitious project with the release of The Heavenly Scrolls: Book of The Bear, a debut album that’s out of this world – literally. This album is just the beginning of a series that explores all 88 constellations through some seriously epic instrumental tunes. If you’re into the post-rock scene, you might already know Mason from his work with Enloom, that experimental band that’s been pushing the envelope for a while now. Well, he’s taking things to a whole new level with this solo project. But don’t worry, it’s not all space-out vibes – there’s an intimate feel to the tracks that’ll keep you grounded.
From the beginning, The Heavenly Scrolls: Book of The Bear stuns you with an ear-pleasing journey. Named after the Big and Little Dipper constellations, Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, it’s clear that van Kraayenburg put his all into these eight tracks. The album opens with “Ursa Minor,” a piece that pulls you in, like immediately. The guitar work? Mind-blowing. It’s drenched in reverb and echo, creating this vibe that’ll have you floating. This is post-rock at its best, where the guitar does all the talking without saying a word.
As you get deeper into the album, tracks like “Lynx” and “Draco” really show off van Kraayenburg’s skill for genre-blending. “Lynx,” featuring Plural, is a standout. It starts with this hypnotic synth that builds into a crescendo of sharp guitar licks and complex rhythms. The way the synths and guitars play off each other is impressive as hell. You can tell van Kraayenburg put a ton of thought into every note and transition. Every note feels like it’s there for a reason, and the transitions guide you through a whole range of feelings. The rhythms are on point too, mixing organic and electronic beats that keep your eyes open.
One of the most striking aspects of The Heavenly Scrolls: Book of The Bear is its capability to make you feel like you’re on some cosmic adventure. Take “Camelopardalis” for example — it’s a total departure from the usual beat-heavy stuff. This piece is a beautiful example of how van Kraayenburg can create an otherworldly experience through minimalism. The guitar just kinda drifts over these spacey background noises, and before you know it, you’re zoning out in the best way possible. It’s a nice breather from some of the more in-your-face tracks on the album.
Now, if you’re looking for some emotion, “Bootes” and “Coma Berenices” are where it’s at. Van Kraayenburg isn’t hiding it here – you can feel the passion in every note. The way he uses delay and echo makes it feel like the music is wrapping around you. It’s a journey through all the ups and downs of being human, but with a cosmic twist.
Production-wise, this album is tight. Every instrument gets its moment to shine, but they all work together like a well-oiled machine. The basslines are intricate, giving the guitars and synths something to sail with. And just when you think you’ve got the rhythm figured out, van Kraayenburg throws in a surprise to keep things interesting.
As the album rolls on, tracks like “Leo Minor” and “Canes Venatici” keep the ball rolling, building on the vibes set up earlier. Each song adds something new to the mix, creating a cool story overall. Kraayenburg’s blend of prog rock and cinematic ambient sounds is like a fresh twist on an old favourite – familiar enough to grab you, but with enough new stuff. It’s a gutsy move that totally works.
The Heavenly Scrolls: Book of The Bear is one hell of a debut from Mason van Kraayenburg. The rich soundscapes, emotional background, and creative songwriting make this album a must-hear for anyone who digs instrumental tunes. So, buckle up and get ready for a stellar ride with van Kraayenburg. Trust us, you don’t want to sleep on this one!
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