The Giant's Dream - Canto III: Sun spark solaris

Super-prolific Swedes Emil Johansson and Joakim Westlund are the originators and creators of this project, the ethereal, trancelike third part of their "Canto" series. From the onset it continues their electronic/ambient journey and sounds off like a movie soundtrack you'd expect to hear on an Oscar-winning Euroflick that has everyone raving about its creative genius. Most of the tracks on here are bright, uplifting anthems that elicit a happy smile; almost as if a fond memory has come flooding back. On the other side of the emotional coin, there's a sinister undertone that belies the contented aura of the majority of the album, evident on "Lying memorial", and that touches the edges of dark ambience. In between, all manner of emotion comes to the fore; optimism, love, sadness, longing, sympathy, and contentment all play a part in "Sun spark solaris" and demonstrate that the music not only elicits emotion but was created by emotion. It doesn't get much more ponderous than dimming the lights and letting The Giant's Dream take you on a journey of fond memories and longing desires. Sublime.
- John Norby