With relaxing, easy grooving, lightly jazzy melodies and dreamy floating soundscapes that may remind listeners of the best of Paul Hardcastle and Jazzmasters, the music of Austrian born ambient/electronica composer/synthesis Stan Dart can be enjoyed by everyone who needs a chillout/time out from this increasingly frenetic world.
Yet much of his music comes from a deeply personal place, reflecting on his youth in his hometown of Graz in South Central Austria. One of the city’s more unique attractions is the Murinsel, an artificial floating “island” in the middle of the Mur River that links the banks on both sides. For Euro history buffs, this landmark was designed by the late NYC artist Vito Acconci on the occasion of Graz becoming the 2003 European Capital of Culture. The artist described it as “a bowl that morphs into a dome that morphs into a bowl” – something that must be seen to be fully appreciated.
The sequel to Dart’s 2018 album Murinsel, Volume 1, Volume 2 draws on his arsenal of electronic atmospheres, beats and hypnotic-melodic sonic textures to get listeners to “sit back and relax, enjoy your drink, and listen to the music. It’s like having a break from your daily routine and enjoying a mini-holiday. It’s all about being chilled, nothing more or less.”
Dart starts by inviting us to enjoy a swaying, romantic “Summer Night,” and then drift off into the moody sensuality of “Nachtflug,” or “nightflight.” Other favorites are the steadily throbbing space-funk-electronica jam “Magic of Light,” the graceful and contemplative “Daydreamer” (led by a lush piano and synth melody) and the quirky, fizzy “Reflections,” an inviting hypno-funk delight which closes out the soulful sonic massage – and will no doubt inspire anyone who visits Graz to experience the floating island for themselves.