Entry 057 - CMD094 - Aria

 

This release surprised me on multiple levels. First and foremost I never thought it would exist. It was said after CMD's album previous to this that it would be his last, having lost much of his hearing from an illness.

Secondly, I did not expect there to be a vinyl release for the album. The record label stated prior to this release that there would be no more vinyl pressed for their upcoming releases.

Finally, I was not expecting the album to be this good. I've always had a back and fourth with CMD's music, sometimes I really get into it/other times not nearly as much. Most releases have songs ranging in quality that just leave me with a lukewarm feeling.

That all changes with Aria. I absolutely love both dreampunk and 16 bit video game music when done well - and on CMD's latest album they are combined in a truly expert fashion. This is a hazy, uncompressed, 16 bit video game soundtrack to a game that never existed.

Everything here fits together so well - every song feels like it belongs. This is the first that I have felt that for a CMD094 album. On top of that the sound design here is top notch, possibly the best of his career.

I'm enjoying this album immensely. Much more than any of his past works that I've heard. This is certainly a wonderful surprise on multiple levels, and I hope that this is not the final album from CMD. He's truly found his stride.