The seventh album from Toronto-based John Puchiele Ensemble, ALIVE incorporates classical and ambient beauty within a journey of resilient creativity during trying times. Specifically, the album reflects Puchiele’s battle with cancer over the past year. Each track “provides a chronology of events that was experienced during this journey,” per Puchiele, who has wowed us with several albums over the past several years, including Change and AFTER LIFE. ALIVE is another fantastic showing.
“Alive” opens the album with a gorgeous, ethereal intrigue. Woodwinds move swiftly with frolicking charm, invoking the minimalism of Steve Reich and Philip Glass in its hypnotic assembly. A lush string-laden movement lingers underneath, adding a sense of serenity amidst the vibrant briskness. “Are You Awake” follows with a more piano-set introspection, leading the gorgeous composition as serene orchestral undercurrents flow seamlessly. The album’s opening two tracks establish a riveting foundation for what’s to come, balancing senses of calmness with racing thoughts — feeling indicative of one embarking on a great personal challenge or obstacle.
Another standout, “The Wait” weaves twangy guitar tones within illuminated keys and orchestral textures. The plucky guitar tones feel anticipatory, aptly exuding a sense of waiting — mindful of positive outlooks or results. The ensuing “Deep” emits a bellowing darkness, deep in thought as elegant strings complement a darkening choir-like serenity. Meanwhile, “In” feels hopeful comparatively, as delicate textures and droning guitars converge beautifully. A touching finale, “Never Say Goodbye” swells from quaint morning-light glimmering into a layered deepness, resembling a microcosm of one’s journey from uncertainty to hopeful invigoration. ALIVE is another heartfelt, gorgeously crafted success from John Puchiele Ensemble.
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“Alive” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Rainy Days and Late Night Drives’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
