It’s been
said that “space
exploration is a force unto itself”, a statement that can aptly be
applied to the experience of music discovery. A purveyor of a music with that
timeless quality, Ferry
Corsten actioned himself into taking his own artist exploration
deeper with his fifth artist album. Entitled ‘Blueprint’ because of his technical
approach to this latest studio outing. This newest longplayer by the Rotterdam
native was spawned from an idea to unite the music with a storyline that
stretches beyond a nebulous lyrical theme. Combining his love for the art of screenwriting
and film score Ferry has crafted ‘Blueprint’
as a concept release to put a wider perspective on his musical vision.
Transcending any referential genre, ‘Blueprint’s
storyline centres around two protagonists in Lukas and the
extra-terrestrial being Vee. From a discovery to a bond to consciousness to
interdimensional travel, ‘Blueprint’
embarks on a journey across the galaxy asking many questions
from its listeners.
Encapsulated in the soundtrack is a musical narrative that entwines with a storyboard
crafted by the minds of David
H Miller (of House Of Cards and Rosewood fame) and Ferry
himself. The resulting effort gives the listener a conceptual direction that is
breathtakingly beautiful. Narrated by Hollywood actor Campbell Scott (known for The
Amazing Spider-Man and The Exorcism of Emily Rose), whose voice
unravels the mystery of
‘Blueprint’s storyline.
Written into the musical code of the album we learn that from the deepest edges
of space ‘The Drum’
can be heard, endlessly repeating, without any understanding as to its reason
or purpose. None of the greatest minds on earth nor governmental
superpower can decipher its existence. Except one. As the listener journeys
from the opening track to the last the album chronicles the voyage of Lukas and
Vee as a new world is opened to not just the mind but the heart.
With its opening title track ‘Blueprint’
the album commences in wondrous form straddling euphoria and seduction at its
heart, as it shoots for the stars setting up for a cosmic ballet. The
atmospherical payoff of ‘Venera
(Vee’s Theme)’ is enchantingly uplifting, as listeners have
their first encounter with Vee.
The vocal of Eric
Lumiere adds depth to the character’s arrival with ‘Something To Believe In’
before ‘Edge Of The
Skye’, featuring Haliene, ignites an odyssey to ‘A World Beyond’.
The weaving metronomic build of ‘Trust’
is industriously rich and perfectly poised for this
interstellar exploration. Whilst the otherworldly tones of ‘Lonely Inside’ beam
us into the isolation of Space and renders all meaning beyond one emotion,
desire. The sentiment on Haliene’s
voice pierces through on the tense ‘Piece of You’
before we head into the third act and encounter “The Drum” again on ‘Drum's A Weapon’.
The album majestically concludes with the beautiful combo of Haliene & Eric Lumiere on
‘Another Sunrise’ and the ‘Eternity’ with its Shepherd
scale-esque splendour.
With the narrative that gives nods to the proses of iconic sci-fi authors such
as Jules Verne, Hugo
Gernsback and most distinctively HG Wells, whilst
sharing familiarities with modern day shows such as The OA, Westworld
and retro Sci-fi-fest Stranger
Things, ‘Blueprint’
is an explorative piece of work that puts Sci-fi at its interstellar core. A
brave and unique studio release from one of the most iconic artists in the
electronic scene but Ferry’s attempts with ‘Blueprint’ are simply to bring a wider
perspective to the listener, as he aims the album to be inclusive of dimensions
of religion, history, ideals and science fiction.
Order your copy here
Check Corstens Countdown #517 - Blueprint Album Special
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