- Mark Wheawill is better known in circles as Evenflow, Source of Gravity and lately Vitality. This is Mark’s first album where he showcases not only his talents with the hardware, but with his vocals and skills with instruments. Though some tracks do cross over commercially, other tracks shine without a doubt.
01. Breaking Point
02. Addicted To Love
03. Change
04. Muzik
05. Back To My House
06. Paradise
07. Communicate
08. Chemistry
09. Mental Block
10. Letting Go
11. Light Years Away
12. Love Conquers All
Breaking Point starts off the album with a broad spectrum of sounds ranging from the ocean, to a ringing telephone then over to voices on the radio. But as it builds the mood is changed when dirty, slow beats are let go with controlled scratching sounds and guitar effects. A ringing telephone sample gets a reworking as it creates a little havoc and balances nicely with the beat. It’s a short intro track with some interesting elements.
Showcasing some of Mark’s musical talents on the guitar and bass is Addicted To Love. It’s a mellow journey with smooth guitars, laid back beats and chilling atmospherics. Mark also lets loose his vocal skills.
Change ventures into the commercial with a funked up theme and full vocals. Light percussion aids the summer feel to the beats though the catchy little melodies give the track its groove. Even though this track is quite commercial, Mark’s smooth production comes through.
Moving into even funkier depths, Muzik displays an acid, almost disco sound meshed with strong synths and rolling vocals. The vocals take the lead throughout and really show some nice production techniques.
Back To My House automatically sends a little shiver up my spine as a soft, old school melody starts the track off nicely. Its just one of those melodies that anyone would like as it bounces from note to note and works well throughout. An effective chanting vocal sample adds an extra layer to the emotional feeling, but it’s the main melody that has keeps you happy. It a simple, quirky track and is only really appreciated on an artist album.
As the CD starts to pick up the pace, Paradise comes in with a wide spectrum of rolling melodies accompanied by a simple break beat. A chanting vocal leads the first half of the track as the melodic hooks create a hypnotising mood before Mark’s vocal is introduced. As the lyrics are played out, the music jumps in and out, filling any empty space and the senses.
Reaching into his bag of goodies, Mark comes up with Communicate. Starting off with a ringing telephone sample and telephone operator voice, the track takes a spooky start with haunting strings and rough breaks. A catchy acid melody makes it in midway with stabbing force as it lifts the lid off and gives the track some substance.
Now probably my pick of the bunch, Chemistry is a great melodic piece of work. Nice synth chords and rolling melodic sounds wash over early as the track builds with heavenly atmospherics. As the track drops, a gorgeous, extremely infectious melody is brought to the forefront with simple beats, xylophone like sounds and tight high hats. This is a great example of being able to keep a track so simple but keep the effectiveness. Melodies really do reign supreme and this track is certainly a flagship for that. Great production.
Mental Block comes in a close second for favourites as Mark delves into breaks and a tiny bit of obscurity. The beats are fresh and energetic but it’s the great sounds and samples that make this track sing. Varied samples from smooth chants to robotic voices then over to quirky melodies and granulising sounds constantly flow over the beats and creates depth. A nice breakdown featuring the uplifting vocal enforces the emotional part of the track while the conclusion of the track has a nice piano/vocal combo.
Letting Go means exactly that as this peak time trancer glides effortlessly with its pumping beats and a soothing synth melody. Lots of uplifting melodies and hooks filter over nicely with the main melody changing tone and volume.
Light Years Away takes another journey into trance territory, this time with softer beats, subliminal basslines and even more catchy melodies. A laser sample gives the track some edge early on while the main melody lingers in the background teasingly. A big breakdown gives the synth melody the stage as it slowly builds and builds back into the subdued beats. Very controlled and quite appealing at the same time.
Drawing a close to the album is Love Conquers All which features downtempo beats, moody strings and quirky synths. A nice array of instrument solos come in and out including a nice trumpet solo, some xylophone effects and a catchy cello-like baseline. Very smooth and emotive.
I scored this album on it being purely an artist album, meaning that anything goes. Mark’s productions are always solid, from creating samples and live recordings to combing the elements in the studio to create smooth, seamless productions. Being a self funded project, this is a hell of an achievement plus the added bonus of a few high quality tracks create a great platform to work from.