Under Desert Skies

Under Desert Skies

• Shrink-wrapped

On his fourth album, Huling stretches beyond the simple happy-go-lucky melodies that have tended to characterize his earlier works. With crashing waves and crying seagulls framing each track, he uses synthesizers, pan flutes and angelic voices, supported by electric piano, assorted percussion, and acoustic guitar, to conjure up his impressionistic visions of the earth's mighty waters. The album opens to the bouncy kalimba refrain of "Primitive Beginnings," moving through several mid-tempo pieces until slowing down on "Hope," where the panflutes and keyboards create an almost hymn-like atmosphere. "Whale Dreams" is an outstanding evocation of the almost mystical presence of the great cetaceans, with electronic sounds surging forward then receding over a constant heartbeat and the deep snoring sounds of the whales themselves. The album ends with the 12-minute title track, a slow dreamy piece featuring echoey pan flutes and shifting synthesizer waves. Lost Oceans demonstrates a new level of artistic depth in John Huling's work and is his most mature and satisfying offering yet. ~ Backroads Music/Heartbeats, All Music Guide