Reviews
"This CD is a varied
grab-bag of works for different ensembles by a young composer who, before
undertaking any formal musical training, performed and wrote material
for a hardcore thrash metal rock band. The three electro-acoustic pieces
(Vertigo series) are the only ones here that suggest the sort of thing
one might hear in a rock club, apart from a general tendency toward 'dark'
subject matter in the texts performed or alluded to in some works; the
other pieces are highly accomplished pastiches of various styles from
Baroque and classical keyboard music to minimalism to polyphonic chant,
and so on. In general the pieces are short, tonal and uncomplicated; Vasallo
has a gift for melody and striking sonic textures, though it is perhaps
a little hard to point to anything entirely original, apart from the Vertigo
pieces. The CD is produced and presented in a 'pop' style, including an
unlisted 'bonus track', an agreeable Scarlatti-ish pastiche on synthesizer.
Definitely intriguing; one wonders what Vasallo might do in an extended
work for large ensemble - maybe we'll find out in due course."
- Records
International.com
"'The
Burning" encompasses a collage of VASALLO’s works between 2004
and 2007. Few traces of the former Thrasher appear here, although a few
distorted flash fires make for an interesting ride. The focal point of
this release rests in classical composition and Baroque vocal counterpoint,
each meriting brief discussion albeit worthy of criticism. One
interesting side note for this compilation resides in the dark nature
of the song titles that VASALLO carried with him from his Metal youth.
Imagine sitting through an orchestral outing and reading titles such as
“Necromantic Dances,” “Lamentation,” and “Emergence
Of The Kraken” from the program jacket. Who knows, the future may
provide such an opportunity, and if so why not partake? The classical
elements of these compositions would thrive in a theater while the melodic
elements would capture fans of many genres. “Falling Into You”
offers VASALLO’s most mature effort. The theory of this piano piece
proves worthy of further marketing whether through soundtrack or mass
performance. With any luck this composition will take the artist to a
new level of popularity."
- The
Observer
"Vasallo
stays within whatever style he picks for a given piece, and he [is] adept
at a wide range of styles, indeed."
- Sequenza21 |
