Deckard's Recommendation Of The Week

Go on, try something different...

Blue States
Nothing Changes Under the Sun

Genre Music Artist Blue States Format CD, Vinyl Label Memphis Industries Produced UK 2000

In time of stress, chill-out albums could not be more appreciated. Blue States' debut, Nothing Changes Under The Sun, contains some of the most brilliantly composed uplifting music that would not be out of place soundtracking a perfect summer day.

Musician Andy Dragazis takes us on a similar journey to Zero 7 and Air, mixing warmth with an acoustic mix of experimental guitars, overlaying beats and gentle melodic sounds, interspersed with a classic, almost progressive Seventies influence. Some tracks have a dreamy mix of hypnotizing sounds and samples, always with a distinctive rhythm running throughout.

There is an ageless, timeless quality. You cannot help but feel that you are the lead character, trapped within one of your favourite films. All the tracks are clear and refined, supplying a cinematic elegance distinctively inspired by the great film composers of our time - Vangelis, Morricone, Barry and Budd.

Elegantly chilling, Dragazis pushes his tunes to the limit, with catchy melodies and sublime moments of ambience. He has enough of his own style to give the album a distinctive edge.

The opening track, Arion, is a tantalizing piece with genuine warmth, while Diamente fuses strings with cool organ electronica, reminiscent of French lounge music. Stereo 99 is reminiscent of Barry's James Bond themes, while the elegant guitar melody of Spit And Soar has a sweet, yet sinister, hook. The chiming classical tone of Golden Touch is a relaxing affair, reminiscent of Sixties television shows, and the funky pop sound of Your Girl oozes class. Each track is different, tied together by a distinctive tone.

Every tune is an inspiration. Oozing coolness, Nothing Changes Under the Sun is a must for anyone who is a fan of down tempo music and movie soundtracks. For a first album, this is a remarkable effort, producing a consistency that better known musicians might envy, proving itself to be deeper, more diverse, and mind-alteringly clever.

Put your feet up and relax.

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