Painting Twilight is a textural, almost ambient work. More minimalistic in structure and subtle in melodic themes, it evokes a sense of awe and wonderment that suggests the magical hues that fill the night sky just after s... more »unset. Elements of drums and percussion break up the deeper spaces with polyrhythmic tracks that have become a trademark of Mark Rownd's unique style.« less
Painting Twilight is a textural, almost ambient work. More minimalistic in structure and subtle in melodic themes, it evokes a sense of awe and wonderment that suggests the magical hues that fill the night sky just after sunset. Elements of drums and percussion break up the deeper spaces with polyrhythmic tracks that have become a trademark of Mark Rownd's unique style.
CD Reviews
Superb ambient soundscapes from dusk to darkness
Bill Binkelman, Wind and Wire | Minneapolis, MN United States | 07/07/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mark Rownd's PAINTING TWILIGHT is the perfect music to listen to as the sun sets and night settles in. While the music has some elements of dark ambient, most of the time the melodic content and the overall feel is lighter. Yet this is not "new age" music or lightweight. Instead, it inhabits a netherworld of shadows and fireflies, of crescent moons behind clouds. There is a warmth and a safety in even the minor key numbers and this makes the album much more accessible. It also allows the listener to enjoy repeated playings. A lot of ambient music wears out its welcome quite soon, but this is one CD that gets better with every playing.If you're looking for an entry point into the world of electronic ambient music, this would be a good place to start. It's not formless or morose, but it's also not structured in the traditional sense. Instead, it is a well-produced and densely layered series of synthesizer works that would play very well in a dark room or on headphones. Once again, Spotted Peccary shows impecable taste in what it releases on its label."
The Sounds of PaintedTwilight
JOHN WELLS | TULSA, OK USA | 08/02/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'll admit that I had a hard time getting into this album at first. I listened to it once and thought-HMMM it's OK. I was talking to another music freak about the album and he suggested that I listen to the album while watching the sunset. Boy, was I wrong. I never really though about somebody "painting" an album, but that is how this artist communicates (and at the time I did not know he was a painter). I love this album because it has given me a new perspective on how music is expressed. It has expanded my musical horizons and I highly recommend it."
Spotted Peccary Strikes Again!
JOHN WELLS | 07/10/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"First Spotted Peccary blew me away with David Helpling's debut, now "Painting Twilight" by Mark Rownds is amazing me.It inhabits somewhat the same universe as Helpling and his influences Pat O'Hearn, Brian Eno and Jon Hassell. The music is a series of tone poems -- not a lot of melody -- based on gorgeous digital sweeps of color and subtle percussion. Mostly it is very laid back and contemplative. Excellent for reading, relaxing, or just getting lost in the 3-dimensional sound.Now I wanna hear everything else on Spotted Peccary!"
Beautifully atmospheric
C. Solomon | SILVER SPRING, MD United States | 03/11/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a gorgeous album to be savored while one relaxes. I love to read and paint to it or just sit back and close my eyes and think of nothing in particular. I never get tired of listening to this one; it's earthy and somehow spacey all at the same time. Pretty good trick I'd say. Enjoy!"
A perfect evening
Jeffrey M. Bailey | Richmond, Virginia United States | 06/06/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I think the world of ambient music doesn't produce enough of this type of music - the integrating of classical structures underpinned by the slow, spacious drones and subtle, repetitive rhythms which are the cornerstone of all ambience. Mark Rownd's CD has the best of both worlds. A definite high point for "New Age" music (though I usually don't use that term). Long, unfolding soundscapes alternating with shorter, mood-setting pieces is the format here. I have plenty of this type of music in my 600+ CD collection, and this one is often in my player. And though it is a decade old, it definitely stands the test of time. By the way, I noticed that the artwork was done by Greg Klamt, whose CD "Fluxus Quo" is another masterpiece in the same vein. Both are worth adding to your collection...in fact, you will do well to build your ambient collection around these two works of art."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1