Album: “Eclipsed”
Producer, Lyrics and vocals by Singer, Songwriter: Haliene
Producers, Sound Design: Matthew Steeper, Haliene
Co-producers: KovenUK, NikademisMusic, Ilan Bluestone, and Miyuki
Release on: Black Hole Recordings
“Eclipsed” is a 15-track epic filled feels album, from exploring different soundscapes, atmosphere, and genres too. The concept began two years ago, culminating into this amazing journey of healing, exploration, creativity, and connecting across space and time. Released just last night, the timing was right, as earlier this month there was a solar eclipse that occurred around the world, and Haliene went to Ibiza to capture the moment, and held a special performance (which will be released next week)
Each song within this work of art contains so many ideas, and emotions throughout. From the opening song, it feels like a hymn, yet it also carries so much heart and soul. To the second track, a sensation of being a star, watching from a far, seeing waves flow by, expand and contrast. But also, that connection, a yearning to be there, even though far away. To an adventure with an alien, finding a connection, and seeing life from a different perspective.
Also I just wanted to share some of my favorites, I love the entire album. But here are a few highlights of the amazing songs within “Eclipsed”
“My Reverie” explores that connection of creativity Haliene and Matthew Steeper have when they are working together. That pulse pounding arch, the beat, the tone, and every instrument that comes together. Closing your eyes and just feeling every note flowing as one. The two have this amazing vibe when making their art, as artists with a paintbrush creating an idea, finding the sound, and bringing it to life.
“Heaven Left A Light On”
This song explores a unique sound signature within 15/4. The corresponding layers flow so well, and the melody explores that shining light, and hopefulness when things feel dark. That light becomes a guide, showing you the way. As the song builds, and then the drop, like a movement of things shifting changing perspective, possibly the imagery of light getting brighter, as the darkness fades.
“Dark Side of My Heart”
An exploration of oneself, seeing through a mirror, everything you were, could be, and are. That reflection of someone you knew, past, present, and future. Within the opening it contains this building melody, then further on, it shifts in its tone picking up and expanding. The imagery within the lyrics explores that feeling of being close, yet far away sometimes. Even though drawn together, there is always something keeping you apart, and bringing you back together again. That drawn in, as if an external force bringing you close once more, even though far away, and seeing each other as you truly are.
“Found”
This song has a beautiful opening, an orchestral flow that serenades the senses throughout. Not only does it contain this beautiful soundscape, but also a performance of vocals by both Haliene and Matthew together. This is a song that is a look back, and present of their journey together, a story of how life brought them closer, to find their center, and each other.
“The Hymn”
A unique track within this marvelous album. The opening contains a flute, then a bit more of an orchestral build, vocals and drums coming together. Then the energy builds, layers upon layers as the vocals ascend, and then escalates as if contrasting, and expanding further.
“Totality”
The final song of the album, it feels unreal that it is last track. I cannot find just one favorite song; I honestly love them all. There is beauty, wonder, heart, soul, and healing within each song throughout this entire album. As the last one plays, it feels as if the sun and moon have parted ways, the eclipsed has passed, but one day they will meet each other again. But like the previous track “The Hymn”, it connects to the flow and melody, while breaking, shifting, and changing, and separating. Which makes this one more unique, as it feels like an end credits track, while expressing so much love, and compassion for the art that made it possible.
Collaborating tracks:
“Orbit” with Koven
From a feeling of being elsewhere, like a star drifting apart. But somehow being drawn back to its point of origin. Yet somehow pushed away, that pull brings you back once more. The imagery is beautiful, and powerful at the same time.
“Don’t Give Up On Me” with NikademisMusic
Communication, words, forget me nots, and promises. Words have so much meaning, especially when they bring you closer even when you feel miles away. Growing together, finding each other’s heartbeat, a moment of time always. A promise, with a heart.
“Eclipsed By You” with Ilan Bluestone
The title track of the album, but it also creates this amazing imagery as two planets shift closer yet from afar. As the sun and moon dance together, light and darkness become one, and the illumination changes everything. A moment in time where the sight is something to behold, bringing many to glance from afar and wonder.
“Voltage” with Miyuki
A rush, a charge, that build of electricity, a spark, a connection that draws you in. This amazing tune takes the album on a rollercoaster ride of beats, and that rush when a song builds and releases. Miyuki finds that sound that taps into Haliene’s mesmerizing vocals, and connects throughout, delivering a hyped beat and melody, like a static charge that can only hold it for so long, until it bursts.
This album is amazing from start to finish, creating a unique atmosphere and soundscape building upon creativity, art and emotions. This is without a doubt another masterpiece, not just one song is incredible, but every track within the album is an expression of the heart and soul. Finding a path, to creating something wonderful, healing, connecting, and beyond. While exploring different genres, telling a story, and a journey beyond the stars, to seeing the person beside you. “Eclipsed” is a marvelous wonder, and a must own.
By the way, Haliene will be on tour soon, so be sure to keep an eye for tour dates coming soon (on her social media pages!)
“Eclipsed” is available now, at all digital music stores. Plus, in the album link, you can buy a physical copy of the album, on CD or Vinyl. Thanks to Blackhole Recordings for supporting this incredible album. To all Aliens, lots of love wherever you are.
Music videos
“Eclipsed By You”
“Solar Waves”
“Voltage”
