Establishing the mood with an astral frequency and brooding piano chords, Nick Pike opens Ayloradia with the title track of the album, expanding into a luscious and dimensional string arrangement. We immediately connect with the high emotional quotient of the opus and the intricacy that manifests, reminding us of Clint Mansell‘s score from The Fountain.
The composition is exquisite, refined and breathtaking. We are immersed in Nick Pike‘s cinematic universe, and there is no doubt that Ayloradia would be perfect to accompany a fantastical Hollywood blockbuster film. Subtle yet anthemic percussion nuances detail the track, whilst piano riffs intertwine with celestial violin performances leading us through to a piano breakdown before a strings outro for the final moments of the piece, symbolic of rebirth.
Next up is Edenflower, which opens with rippling piano keys and cosmic strings. The piano performance is masterful and sonically aligned with the track’s predecessor, although delivering an emotional and spiritual energy unto its own design. Speaking on the release, Nick tells us, “Edenflower is a much more traditional emotional piano and strings arrangement, bursting with passionate melodies and more lush strings, it is both relaxing and full of cinematic drama.”
We deeply appreciate the ebbs and flows of the composition and the universe that Nick Pike creates with his skillset; the builds are truly euphoric. This leads us to Pariah Dance which opens with a more whimsical and cerebral energy, tapping into psychedelic and fantastical notions. The piece is more delicate and meditative. It would be perfect for an Avatar movie sequel. Arcata holds a similar cosmic vibe, and with reference to both tracks Nick comments, “Pariah Dance and Arcata are cut from the same stylistic cloth. Both using a building piano, adding lush strings as the intensity grows with elements of electronics adding a hint of mystery.”
We love the intrigue that comes to life with these two compositions, and again, there is an otherworldly nature that truly comes to life. The orchestral strings in Arcata are transformative and highly visual, creating a universe of their very own. The emotional quotient is also extremely tangible, and very much taps into our heart’s centre. It would be perfect for a pivotal scene in a movie or TV show like Game of Thrones.
Into Dust opens with celestial notions, reminding us that we are all essentially particles in the great design of the cosmos. The electronica here is outstanding with very cerebral bass synths. A stripped-back interlude then leads us through to a dimensional moment with choral vocal synths and epic strings. This is the first track that includes actually lyrics, albeit the title of the track – this adds a highly innovative and almost theatrical layer to the wider album.
Next is Willow’s Theme which is a poetic and graceful piece full of twists and turns featuring dramatic motifs, whilst Caladrius is laced with vocal synths and an almost ancestral energy. There is no doubt that fans of Ludovico Einaudi, Max Richter, Yiruma, Alexis Ffrench, Ólafur Arnalds and Nils Frahm will be able to connect with what Nick Pike is creating, and that is really cemented with Caladrius.
Larkspur has an alternative jazz edge at first before building with Nick’s signature emotive strings. It serves as one of the most meditative and zen pieces on the record, perfect for a yin or hatha yoga class. This leads us to Riastrix End which is the most subversive and trippy track on the record, opening with a swing motif, building with an epic crescendo and drama into a bold and anthemic finale.
Lastly, we have Cassian Rising which opens with a sublime piano performance, and the most beautiful strings that we have experienced thus far on the record. We learn that this was the first single from the record and described by Nick as “the most bombastic piece from the album”.
We learn that the piece was so named because Nick finished up the final cello session and was in hospital within the hour when his wife had gone into labour with their first child, Cassian. This is clearly a very personal piece and the universal timing for its creation feels very important. It also serves as a full circle moment for the album and boasts a high spiritual energy with a shimmering and grandiose finale.
Needless to say, we are in awe, and have added both Ayloradia and Cassian Rising to our New Music Spotlight playlist and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to explore Nick Pike’s growing discography and anticipate future releases.