Right when I pressed play, I got the impression that Melissa Grey & David Morneau are the type of composers-producers with a specific design in mind. In the bio, it says that they compose music informed by the “elemental themes: time, space, nature, language, dance.” I immediately got that sense when I listened to their latest undertaking Almost Becoming. The sounds of guitar riffs, drenched in reverb and percussion and more, soaks these vivid soundscapes. What I got was something imaginative and out-of-this-world. Grey & Morneau with the help of designer and musician Robert Kirkbride has definitely given us some surreal and magical tunes to enjoy.
Almost Becoming opens up with “Being,” where the clanging of bells and melodic guitars churn up a lush array of sounds. I enjoyed the fluidity of this track as the array of sounds made for a good listening experience. The lively percussion and reverberating guitars really made for a great sound. I felt myself being carried away by this mode of music. On “Always,” the sound of trombone, synths and guitars make for a lush arrival. The sound was very becoming and wafts through in waves. There were some synths that made for an other-worldly approach.
On “Ever,” some great percussion sounds out here. This reminded me of a rainforest. I could imagine myself being immersed inside as the sound of this recording carries me forward. Some beats, synths and guitars sound out on “Becoming.” This proved to be a melodic undertaking with a great flow. I loved how the instrumentals were seamless which made this a very cohesive listening experience. This proved to be a great way to end the EP.
I felt like I could get lost inside these soundscapes. There’s just something to these sonic landscapes that just speaks to me. I think it’s the fact that the sound that Grey & Morneau is aiming for, in fact, sounds so colorful and powerful all at once. It’s the immediacy to these soundscapes that I absolutely loved. Instrumentals are hard to pull off, but I think Grey & Morneau is able to nail their sound with aplomb. With that being said, please check out Almost Becoming, the latest from the group.