"Breathing In Essence" is an extended EP five song sampler from the ethereal Gothic duo of Kelly Godshall (vocals, electric and acoustic guitars) and John DeGregorio (electric and acoustic guitars, bass, programming) recording under the moniker of Amber Spyglass. The pair have been performing their dark introspective music in one incarnation or another since the late 90s', appearing at intimate concert venues, festivals, cafes and art galleries, as well as CBGB's Gallery in New York .
"Breathing In Essence" is one in a series of EPs the band plans to release in the near future which encapsulates the group at various stages of development in their six year career. And if the five tunes making up "Breathing In Essence" represents just a fraction of their musical output, then I can't wait to see what is yet to come. Each tune on the CD is positively brilliant.
Guest musicians Anne Bottcher (cello) and Rachel Dinoto (violin) blend with DeGregorio's sampled orchestration and Godshall's dynamic vocals to create an abridged Gothic Opera. A powerful, passionate, melodic melodrama - cinematic pageantry for the ears.
The musical style is so diverse that it should appeal to a wide range of listeners, including fans of female fronted metal bands like Within Temptation, Evanescence, Lacuna Coil, mainstream artists like Fleetwood Mac and Heart, ambient and new age artists The Telling, Kate Bush, and Clannad, or prog/rock artists Curved Air, Mostly Autumn, Renaissance, and Magenta. Actually anyone with an appreciation of great music.
"Breathing In Essence" is a 25 minute teaser leaving the listener begging for more. Highly Recommended!
Reviewed by Joseph Shingler on December 9th, 2012
