by Backroads Music/HeartbeatsFrom the ecstatic beauty of the opening track "Horizon," it is immediately obvious that something special is going on with this inspiring and high-spirited debut release by Norwegian keyboardist, composer and producer Oystein Sevåg. Sevåg shows a conceptual strength on a par with Vangelis. He embraces a broad spectrum of human experience and delivers a powerful yet accessible sonic journey from the lofty peaks to the darkened urban jungle. The basslines are fluid and the drum tracks are strong and convincing -- together they cut a deep groove and form a solid foundation upon which Sevåg builds impressive melodies and textures. Sevåg is joined by saxophonist Bendik Hofreth on three tracks, one of which, "Norwegian Mood," is a touching ballad that could melt the coldest heart. Besides the abundance of outstanding grooves and melodies there are also sojourns into deep inner space. In these moments the musical form evaporates and some pretty amazing textures are conjured up through Sevåg's imaginative synth work. Even though this album runs a gamut of emotions nothing seems out of place or contrived.