Epic-rock outfit Globus recently released their new long-player, Cinematica, via the artist-run Imperativa Records.
Songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Yoav Goren explains, “With ‘Cinematica,’ I wanted to create a musical journey, much like the best of cinematic experiences, which takes the listener through a myriad of visual landscapes and deep connections to the essential fibers of the human condition. The album contains a diverse representation of musical genres, with lyrical explorations of complex relationships, mental health, tyranny, war, unifying struggles, healing, and hope. Much of the inspiration came from a familiar production process for Globus – using original orchestral instrumental compositions to evoke and inspire new melodies and additional arrangement elements, creating new Cinematic Rock songs. It’s vital to me that the intended result is a visceral, immersive, bigger-than-life aural experience for the listener.”
The brainchild of songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Yoav Goren, Globus was formed in 2005, followed by releasing their debut album, Epicon, featuring the single “Orchard of Mines,” which occupied Billboard’s Hot Singles chart for over two months.
Globus’ sound revolves around storytelling within various social and historical backgrounds, and as principal songwriter, Goren felt this was best accomplished via multiple and distinct vocal stylings. Vocalists on Cinematica include Yoav Goren, Lisbeth Scott, Anneke Van Giersbergen, Dann Pursey, and Ryan Hanifl, along with musicians Robert Fripp and Gregg Bissonette.
Encompassing 17-tracks, Cinematica begins with “Sprockets,” a brief preamble, which is followed by “Peace In Our Time,” blending orchestral rock and prog-rock elements into a grand, evocative tune riding a pushing rumbling rhythm.
Entry points include the soaring, expansive leitmotifs of “O California,” as well as the dark, majestic textures and sweeping strings of “False Redeemers.” Surging with mysterious energy, this track thrums with residual dynamics and latent recklessness.
Globus’ cover of David Bowie’s “I’m Afraid Of Americans,” evokes edgy surfaces replete with tiny hooks of portentous flavors, imbuing the tune with cultural dislocation. While “Mighty Ship” conjures up suggestions of Led Zeppelin, humming with vast atmospheric muscle and glowing choir-like harmonies infused with hints of gospel.
Drenched in swashbuckling layers of sound, “Brothers in Arms” teems with grandiose washes of sonic expression. Whereas the subsequent song, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” delivers smoldering waves of gentle, intense emotions that swell and take on heavy passion.
A personal favorite, “The River” shimmers with tender, coruscating colors and a deliciously warm and evocative female voice. “Carry the Flame,” vaguely reminiscent of Motley Crue and Guns N’ Roses, exudes thick bluesy savors imbued with tints of alluring gospel.
At once imaginative, august, and superbly arranged, with Cinematica, Globus bestows their luscious, magisterial music on listeners.
