sToa - ZAL
2002 / 41:49 Minutes / 11 Tracks / Studio/ CD
Release Date: July 29,2002, Sept 09, 2002 - Alice in.../Nova Media
Produced by: Maik Hartung and O. Parusel
Website: www.stoa.de

Reviewed by Matt Rowe on October 6, 2002

sToa has produced a stunning album of such classical force that it assaults you with its deeply embedded aural beauty. I was captured by their incredible ability to take ethereally perfect works and recreate them in such a way so as to present a new and fresh interpretation. Using their classical skills to lay a foundation of such empyrean nature and that elicits the unearthly, this collection of songs, including Black Tape for a Blue Girl's lovely and poignant "I Wish You Could Smile" is, as such, the music of God.

The expansive sound textures that fill this album with its heavenly gossamer quality brings an uplifting experience to the listener. Minimalist in style, progressive in scope and presentation, you'll be hard pressed not to sprout wings of fancy and soar with the inherent joy that this creation blows into the air, just as a faerie would blow dusts of purity in the face of a child.

Eleven songs and all filled with the airy spaciousness that were instilled into them during recording. The disc starts out with an instrumental, expressive and mild as a melancholic thought, "I Held The Moon" is sonically graceful for its mood setting. Followed by "Alone", the filmy barrier of night and moon creates a luscious and sweet symphony that transport you to the wonderment of absolute serenity that could only be enjoyed by one 's self.

But the real joy comes in the third song, Black Tape/Sam Rosenthal's affecting "I Wish You Could Smile". Despite the seemingly sad lyrics, sToa's musical offering creates an anticipatory feeling, as if one was heading into the heart of bliss. The reinterpretation of this song is the highlight of this disc and one that I found my self returning to time and time again.

The angelic vocals of Antje Bucheiser are rapturous. Accompanied by the lush instrumentations provided by Christiane Fischer and Barbara Uhle, the combination just works wonderfully. There is uncredited piano work here that is a major part of the overall soundscape. It is a shame that the pianist is not listed.

There are other diamonds on this disc. They all work in tandem to produce the feelings of oneness with the universe in many ways. Whether you use this disc in a utilitarian way, and you can, as a soundtrack of events, nature, etc, or merely as a closed eyes escape, this work delivers in every way imaginable. From the Shakespearian lyrical soundpiece and William Blake/James Joyce inspirations to the instrumentals that weave through this album, sToa has set out to capture your imagination and your heart. And they do it with such force that will endear you to them forever.

You will be a fan for all time.

DISC

This CD is recorded as spacious as could have been. The mix of the two channels is such that the music interwines with itself to produce a blanket of sound that envelops the listener. Beautifully recorded.

PACKAGING

This disc provides an excellent 16 page booklet printed on heavy stock. The booklet provides enhancing art that is descriptive to the piece that they are assigned to as well as lyrics where they apply. There is a credits page and the back sports the track listing. Photos of the band would have been nice as well as notes concerning the band and their mission.

THE FINAL SAY

The expansive and lush recording that is ZAL is an absolute necessity to your collection. If you are classically minded and enjoy the soundscape of interpretation, then sToa is one for you to look up and indulge your ears and your spirit with.

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