Barnes, Steve

Artist: Divine Matrix
P: 2015
‘Cloudsurfing’ is the first in a series of planned ambient excursions from Divine Matrix, whose contemporary electronic works have proved very popular in recent years. While previous albums have tended to be more rhythmic and sequencer driven, here on ‘Cloudsurfing’, it’s all about slowly evolving textures and gentle, pulse like sequences. The effect is also highly evocative, painting surreal and hypnotic soundscapes with otherworldly overtones. The effect is one of drifting through a strange, alien landscape. Crystalline sounds and spacey effects dance delicately across warm, thick pads, the sound washing over the senses. The music may be ambient, but Steve Barnes knows enough about his craft to ensure his creations have enough form and structure to be involving and interesting. Tracks like ‘Ominous Sky’ and the title track are actually quite beautiful and typical of Divine Matrix at its best, and even at this albums darkest, it is never ‘threatening’. Everything is beautifully produced with a depth and warmth sadly lacking in a lot of music of this style. If good quality ambient, electronic space music is your thing, then this should be right up your street. Fans of Divine Matrix will love it!

Artist: Divine Matrix
P: 2011
This is contemporary melodic chill-out of the very highest calibre and perfectly illustrates Steve's grasp of melody, sounds and rhythms. It's a completely different style and sound to Steve's new age music debut on AD Music, "New Day", yet it retains the core of Steve's musical style with warmth and strong musical structure. It also perfectly illustrates how close the new age, electronic and chill-out music styles can be in the hands of such an accomplished artist.
The album sways between gently rhythmic, like the aptly named opener "Faith in Chaos" with its clever use of delicate sequences and sounds, and moody and melodic like the "The Crystal Womb". The 13 tracks are varied and present a coherent "whole album" with some pieces being so strong thematically, you'll be humming the tune to yourself afterwards, while others drift along purposely, displaying deep atmospherics and some nice ethereal interludes.
The strength of the album though is undoubtably Steve's ability to mix his strong melodic sensibility with atmospherics, clever contemporary rhythms and a diverse sound palette, resulting in an album that engages the listener on so many levels that you'll want to have the CD on repeat play.

Artist: Steve Barnes
P: 2009
"New Day" contains 11 tracks of soothing and drifting electronica that features superbly played piano and acoustic guitar themes over the most chilled of rhythms. There is a warmth here that is almost sensual; melancholy yet uplifting; contemplative yet always involving; beautiful but not sugary. "New Day" is one of those albums that will be on repeat play as you discover the wonderful depth and subtlety in Steve's emotional and dreamlike music. The delicate, melodic piano themes are infectious and will gently caress you, putting you under a spell that will find you gently tapping your feet as the chilled rhythms come in to play. Whilst there are clearly nods to the likes of Mike Oldfield, Ludovico Einaudi and Debussy, "New Day" remains an original album with a clear identity that is both beautiful and incredibly rewarding.

Artist: Various Artists
P: 2010
Volume 3 of the essential "Best Of" series from AD Music contains melodic and emotive music that will take you on a wonderful journey beyond paradise. This is deeply moving, gently rhythmic and inspirational instrumental music that manages to be vibrant, uplifting and tranquil. Featuring superbly remastered and edited music from some of the most respected and accomplished composers of the genre, this album will have broad appeal and will be of interest to existing fans already familiar with the catalogue. A truly beautiful album of pure quality and class.

Artist: Various Artists
P: 2010
There are Christmas albums, and then there are Christmas albums. "ChristmasAD - The First Snow" is an outstanding collection of instrumental Christmas music that's appeal is that everyone is going to enjoy it!
A good Christmas album should contain some old classics plus some familiar pop titles to warm you on a cold winter evening as you sit by the fireside. So on this collection there are eight favourites, expertly re-imagined, plus eleven brand new Christmas songs that perfectly reflect the Christmas spirit.
"The Dancing Snowman" by David Wright & Geigertek is delightfully OTT and perfectly starts proceedings, and what follows is pure bliss! Steve Barnes and RamsayGee provide real romantic heart with five beautiful pieces: Steve's being the classic favourites "Little Town of Bethlehem", "Good King Wenceslas" and "God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen" and Gareth's being the sublime self penned "First Snow" and "Season's Wish". Catalin Marin returns with his epic, ethnic influenced "A Star in the East", and new artists Claudio Merlini and The Pels Syndicate contribute a stunning melodic track each with "Christmas Wonderland" and "Xmas5" respectively. Richard Bone provides two glorious covers in "Do You Hear What I Hear" and "Donde Esta Santa Claus?" while Acheloo and Robert Fox provide beautifully moody interpretations of "White Christmas" and "Silent Night". Al Rudd's "The Magic of Christmas?" provides the albums glorious "Tim Burton" influenced moment (think "A Nightmare at Christmas"!) while Lord of the Ants provides an atmospheric acoustic number that perfectly reflects "Christmas In New York". David Wright's rhythmic electronic version of "We Three Kings" and Bekki Williams beautifully orchestrated "Where is Santa?" end the album perfectly. The sound of children's laughter briefly open and close the album, reminding us perhaps that Christmas is about peace and good will reflected in the joy and laughter of innocence.
The collective artists on the label have really excelled here, presenting an emotive and memorable collection of Christmas tunes that delicately, and without exception, successfully walk the line between feel good melodic music and contemporary, creative, classically influenced new age/electronic music.
Beautifully recorded and produced, this is one classy album that is destined to run and run.

Artist: Various Artists
P: 2010
"Walking with Angels" is the 4th volume in the essential "Best Of" series taken from the AD Music catalogue. It features emotionally inspired and gently rhythmic music of real depth and beauty that will take you on a spiritual journey to your innermost heart and soul through beautiful soundscapes created by some of the most gifted artists of the genre. Featuring superbly remastered and edited music from the extensive AD Music catalogue, this album will have broad appeal and will be of interest to existing fans already familiar with the catalogue. An album full of pure magic!
Revisit some of the classic melodic instrumental tracks released through AD Music over the years. The music has been remastered and edited to present a superb collection that is sure to have broad appeal and will be of interest to existing fans already familiar with the catalogue as well as newcomers interested in sampling our delights.