Musicianship
– 10 out of 10 Having experienced the music
from Kourosh Dini’s previous release Fidelio,
I’m quite certain that I expected something very different than what I heard
with Ontogeny.Without knowing his music, it would be very
difficult to comment about his abilities!It is an ambient recording, with a lot of abstract sound effects
interlaced with the melody of keyboard parts.The interesting thing I found in the liner notes was the fact that he
recorded this album as much a possible from one synthesizer, trying to
demonstrate the fact that life exists in all media.I’m still not sure I understand that totally
even now, but as I listen and consider it, I know that at some point I will
come to some sort of understanding!That
is the cool thing about this project – it is stimulating to the mind and the
ears!His abilities as a musician are
evident in every note/sound on Ontogeny!
Songwriting – 9
out of 10
Without
doubt, a recording that conceptually tells a story from birth to death is bound
to be a challenge!How do you represent
“birth” in sound, or “gestation”?Listen
to Ontogeny, and you’ll see!Showing creativity that I can only imagine,
Kourosh creates a piece of work that gives perspective to the life of an
entity, from conception to death.His
vision was to represent the pains and joys of a life, told from a single
perspective (single synthesizer).He
assumes that the listener will form his/her own conclusions regarding the sound
of the album!Truthfully, I think that
he has done an excellent job, and for each person, they will draw their own
conclusions based on what they hear!As
an artist, I think he realizes that some will like his work, and others might
not.However, he hasdone his best to create a work of art;
listeners will interpret/conclude what they will, much as those around you will
form opinions about your life based upon the information they have!Very intelligent work from a creative man!
Sound
Quality/Professionalism – 9 out of 10
Much more
than a display of musical professionalism, this CD is a work of art!As such, it’s a bit difficult to actually
comment on from a critical standpoint.Technically, everything sounds as it should.Honestly, even if it didn’t, I don’t know if
I would really know in this instance if it were done purposely, or
accidentally!This work is so very
subjective – in my opinion, though, Kourosh did a great job of recording,
mixing, mastering and packaging on this album!It looks and sounds great! Packaging – 10
out of 10
DI really
like the way this CD is packaged.The
track listing is depicted in a circle, representative of the life cycle.Inside, photos are included that include
various stages of life in human beings. Additionally, there are notes regarding
the inspiration for the project.Without
any one piece, I don’t think this packaging would be complete!Pardon the pun, but the music and packaging
are a great example of Intelligent design!
Favorite Tracks N/A – This is
a CD that you just need to listen to from start to finish!It won’t make sense otherwise!
Overall
Rating – 9.5 out of 10
WI am a
musician, but after listening to Kourosh Dini’s latest release Ontogeny, I have come to the realization
that I am not an artist!There is no way
that I can imagine how he was able to conceptualize and create this
project!I mean, it’s one thing to have
an idea to create a soundscape representative of life from birth to death; it’s
another to actually put pen to paper, fingers to keys, and sound to tape, and
come out with a finished project that is believable and convincing!Like a sculptor or a painter, Kourosh saw a
void, and filled it with something beautiful!
Words will not serve me well enough to describe this project to you!You must get your own copy, and hear it at least
twice!It isn’t a lengthy recording, so
it is no effort at all to hear the recording multiple times!And, I truly believe that you will really
like it!I definitely recommend it to
fans of ambient/ethereal soundscapes!This is one to listen intently to, and then to have on hand for a day
when you need atmospheric sound!
—Mark Lush, Midwestbands.com, 11/19/05
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