Tuesday, October 11, 2022

Album Review: Farewell to Memories by Orchestra Indigo

Review by Candice Michelle


Rick Randlett is a multi-talented singer/songwriter, guitarist and keyboardist who has released several recordings in the blues/rock genre. But with his latest album titled Farewell to Memories, Rick reached back to his college studies in composition, orchestration and electronic music to create a more “new age” type of album, released under the fitting project name Orchestra Indigo to distinguish the music from his previous works.

Comprised of 12 compositions spanning approximately 54 minutes, Farewell to Memories was crafted using Rick’s home studio setup that includes a Mac Book Pro, Studio One for DAW, Roland Juno synthesizer and a Modal Cobalt 8 synthesizer. The result is a serene and contemplative excursion into neoclassical electronic minimalism that seemingly evokes scenery in real-time of changing seasons and solitary environments, particularly between the hours of dusk and dawn. Tranquil images of passing clouds, dancing snowflakes, morning mists and leaves in the wind variably come to mind while listening to these thoughtful passages.

The opening title track, "Farewell to Memories," introduces drifting piano notes amid a pillowy synthesized backdrop that soon gives way to a minimalist ensemble of accompanying brass and string textures. “Distant Worlds” follows with a repeating, subtle melody permeated by a pensive mood that characterizes much of the album.

Highlights such as “Twilight Falls” evokes images of an evening fog descending upon forested mountains, while the intriguing “Mysteries” paints a starlit sky on a cold winter’s night with its twinkling timbers and shimmery tones. Towards the close of the album, crystalline notes and silvery synth-strings signal the hallmark of winter on the aptly-named “First Snow” before concluding with the somewhat wistful yet gently hopeful “One Last Look”.

Imbued with a profound sense of nostalgia throughout, Farewell to Memories recalls the classic style of “new age” synthesizer music that rose to prominence in the 80s and 90s, making it an ideal album for seasonal reflection and contemplating in nature.  

~Candice Michelle for Auralscapes 

For more information please visit the artist's website. Farewell to Memories is also available at AmazonApple Music and more.