“Burbank 2009” by Matthew Mirliani is a deeply personal musical work, capturing the composer’s emotions during a pivotal moment in his life. Consisting of five short pieces, this album serves more as an emotional statement than a narrative.
Each piece has been meticulously crafted to evoke a distinct atmosphere. The brevity of the tracks and the album as a whole makes it uniquely engaging, encouraging listeners to revisit and replay the pieces. There is not a single superfluous second in this album; every measure is intentional, with each note and phrase thoughtfully placed.
As Igor Stravinsky once said,
"Too many pieces of music finish too long after the end.”
This is certainly not the case with Mirliani’s album. His compositions strike like flashes of emotion—brief, profound, and impactful.
The album opens with “Oakwood,” which begins with a bass line and an arpeggio. Brushes of a subtle piano weave in and out, creating a mysterious yet uplifting atmosphere. “Rum Raisin Ice Cream” follows, building on the same theme but led by a distorted synth. The piece quiets momentarily, only to return to the main theme before concluding. “Do You Want to End up Like That?” is a minimalist piece with an ambient approach to the melody. “The End of The Dream” starts with a powerful synth, a sudden awakening that transitions into a fast-paced arpeggio, which gradually fades, echoing its inception. The album concludes with “Mom, I’m Going To Spain,” a piece tinged with melancholy, balancing happiness and sadness in a bittersweet musical moment.
“Burbank 2009” is a testament to an artist’s emotions—a collection of expressions from the soul. It is an album that navigates the fine line between experimentation and classical harmony.
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