The Flashcards: Mark Wardale

The Flashcards: Mark Wardale - Close (2018)

90-/100

Genre: Modern classical/cinematic/soundtrack

Opening the morning with this album? If only I weren't trapped in bad habits, it would probably feel even more majestic. By that, I mean it would feel like a snippet from a cinematic or motivational film. Waking up full of energy, washing your face, putting on your shoes, and running through nature bathed in the morning sun while the sharp violin of "Cascade" and the piano of "Neon" play, for instance. Or imagining an Icelandic atmosphere through the sole vocal piece on "Veðráttufarsríma" and living a dramatic life. Despite containing many melancholy or emotional moments, it never completely sinks into despair or hopelessness. "Close" the wounds, receive the pain, and "Sails". Leave the past as a lesson, don't make it the same. You can do something much better.

Aside from the vocal prominence on "Veðráttufarsríma", "Orion" introduces a drum segment in its final minute, while "Nova"—as the longest track—brings forth a choir and the darkest violin tones on the record.

As such, Mark Wardale comes highly recommended for fans of Christoffer Franzen, Kai Engel, Hammock, and other soundtrack composers.

Tracklist:

1. Byrja

2. Cascade

3. Neon

4. Veðráttufarsríma

5. Prelude

6. Close

7. Orion

8. Pebbles

9. Óreiða

10. Nova

11. Þægindi

12. Sails

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