Michael McNabb - Invisible Cities download free

Before DAW software made it possible to create EDM entirely in the software domain, the term "Computer Music" was applied to a very different genre which was seldom heard outside the ivory towers of academia. Usually programmed and realized on mainframe computers, most of the composers of this style sought to break with all musical tradition, creating abstract conceptual works which often avoided tonality, melody, and rhythm. Needless to say, this appealed only to a small audience who could appreciate music diplomatically described as "challenging"."Invisible Cities" stands in start contrast to the other works in the series. While it does embody some of the hallmarks of the genre, such as being a conceptual work and full of unearthly timbres and effects not possible with ordinary synthesizers, it stands apart in that the compositions are tonal, melodic, rhythmic, and for the most part, very accessible. Bright, jazzy, and shimmering, this is far removed from the discordant bleeps and seemingly-random chirps which characterize most other Computer Music. The addition of piano and saxophone in parts provides an excellent counterpoint against the synthetic instruments, voices, and occasional sound effects. "City Of No Resistance" alternates between the serene and the dynamic, going from demure calm to jumping out of the speakers at you. "City Of Wind" begins with a more somber approach, with piano and synthetic vocals which soon shift into otherworldly timbres and twinkling musical patterns of exquisite beauty. "City Of Congruence" is punctuated by percussive rhythms, while "City Of Desire" conjures up grand, sweeping spaces. "Hidden City" is not melodic or rhythmic, and consists mostly of mechanical noises run through a resonant reverb, creating haunting pitched ambient soundscapes out of what was initially inharmonic noise, but this works surprisingly well in context. "City Of Reflection" is a stunning conclusion, like the aural equivalent of an M.C. Escher illustration.A truly unique and enjoyable listening experience, every bit as enjoyable as art as it is technically impressive.