3.5

Release data:

Patrick O´Hearn – Slow Time
CD, Private Release, 2005

On his completely self-crafted release “Slow Time”, Patrick O’Hearn turns his heals towards relaxed ambient, at the same time also leaving behind some of his typical sound.
The overall album concept seems to deal with introspection and quietness as the music moves forward in the slow lane for 45 minutes. The album opener is a weird one, a homage to Frank Zappa, featuring the minimal, monotonous sounds of a vibraphone, lasting over 8 minutes.

The two tracks after it also didn’t catch my interest, but the very welcome change comes with the fourth track “I could live here”. From there one, O’Hearn slides back to lovely spacious textures, some percussion and delicate piano.
“Where we once stood” is a great and elegant glider with its intimate, sustained piano, where after “I remember now” shows a slight Asian soundscape flavour.

Shakers and refined textures lead the way with deep but hold-back bass grooves in “A welcome Sight”.
“Still Standing” brings the album to an end in strong way with its warm soundscapes and soft twinkling piano.

Forgetting its rather weak start, “Slow Time” is a warm and engaging piece of work.

Website: www.patrickohearn.com

You can see what reviews I have done of this artist on the Patrick O’Hearn artist page