Greetings dearest gentle readers and music fans. Let us welcome English artist Nick Pike. “Phraxia” is the ten-song neoclassical album by the composer and pianist Nick Pike’s third studio album. Following Nick’s debut piano, string, and electronics album ‘Norastoria’ (2024) and his more relaxed sleep piano album ‘Evergreen’ (2024), Phraxia combines impressive solo piano compositions with more texturally rich offerings, weaving synthesiser and electronic elements and highlighting his jazz-infused neoclassical style in different but complementary lights. Let’s talk more about the record
The first song on the album is “Whispertide”. The song opens with a heavenly melody. It is a full piano-led tune with subtle swirling synth lines and shimmering piano notes, giving it an unearthly quality. I truly felt like I was soaring in the clouds with this song. Every note propelled and took me higher. It is difficult to explain how stunning this song is. It was emotive and was the best song to open up the record.
The next song is called “Abaluna”. The song opens with a fantastic swirl that will send shivers down your spine. This song has a similar composition to the previous song. It may sound similar but, it is not the same. Each note has personality and beauty. This song is A piano-led composition with ethereal synth lines and shimmering piano tones that evoke a sense of the surreal. It was warm and sweet and it felt like being wrapped up in a blanket, sipping hot cocoa. I loved this song and listeners will love it too
Next up is the song “Phraxia”. This solo piano piece opens with a bright piano melody. The highs and lows of the sound are quite amazing. It feels like the sound is bouncing between two ears and it is very delightful. You might think that it sounds the same throughout but, you will be completely wrong. Each note and each sound carried a different essence and feeling. The song is complex, yet it has a simple melody that you will enjoy
“Aroha” is the title of the next track. The song opens with a soft and glacial melody. The song takes you on this rollercoaster of emotions. The song provoked deep thoughts that I have never experienced. This performance was breathtaking and brought tears to my eyes. All I could say was ENCORE, ENCORE.
Next up is the track “deepward glow”. The song opens with a sweet and glacial melody. It was slow and sweet with every note taking a moment to let listeners soak in its entirety. The pace of the song changes mid-song, giving this song a different facet altogether. This song was a versatile song that I will never forget
“Fur Beethoven” is the title of the next track. The intro of the song is something you might recall because it’s a popular piano melody. It is part arrangement, part homage to Beethoven’s classic Für Elise. This composition, which draws heavily on the opening melodic parts of the original but plays with them in a neo-classical style, was originally written for some of Nick’s students to demonstrate how changing the harmony underlying a melody can significantly affect the atmosphere. Nick has experimented with the original melody points at various moments, infusing new ideas and melodic material. The familiar Beethoven tune draws the listener in before taking them on a very different musical trip.
Next on the record is “Vangise”. The song opens with a sweet and precise note which is part of the most magical melody. This song is different than any other piano melody I’ve ever heard. It was fresh and dynamic and, it’s something great, a spectacular piece for the books.
“Mareel” is the title of the song on the album. The song opens with a lonely and glacial note. This performance was so emotive and majestic. The artist meant business with this song and went all out, to deliver a perfect performance that will be so amazing to hear live!
The ninth song on the record is “Minerva”. This song opens with a dark and menacing melody. This song was relaxing, calming yet, had an interesting musicality. This was yet another amazing and brilliant song on the album
The album ends with “Maramoo”. This song opens with delicate and intricate piano notes. This was another beautiful and grand song. The song spoke volumes with every note and it was a delightful performance that bid us goodbye in a very magnificent way
The Phraxia album has already proven successful on playlists that promote peaceful, contemplative sounds for sleeping, reading, focusing, writing, and working, as well as some ambient and dramatic playlists. It will help you lock in and relax at the same time. This was a very impressive album and I can’t wait to hear more music from Pike
Stream the “Phraxia” album on Spotify
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