Adam Hilligardt - “Pieces of Time”(feat. Alex L. Price) (Song Review)
To preface this latest entry, for anyone that’s in a rush - I am reviewing “Pieces of Time” on a sunny Sunday afternoon, and it's been a refreshing and worthwhile way to spend it. Having heard music from Adam Hilligardt before, it’s nice to be able to return to their work - and as a few years have passed since then, I can say that it’s great to be back. This tune is well-rounded, and simply made me feel good.
Part of the reason for this positivity is that the piano, from the moment it enters, is gorgeous. Reverb chains and held notes effectively dictate an opening for (and connection to) the following string section. The composition develops itself naturally, with the legato harmonies on the sides sounding incredibly smooth, and the major key and associated triads assisting toward a more vibrant atmosphere. With that said, this piece occasionally throws unexpected neo-classical chordal elements into the mix - though, to be fair, they pique curiosity, rather than discourage it.
With some of the aforementioned (admittedly) subtle variances in mind, it’s just nice to hear a song that is effortlessly pretty, whilst not trying too hard to be that way. It’s great.
As it’s an instrumental, without any hand-holding, we are left to consider what its purpose is. Personally, it sounds like someone is sitting on a chair, in a park, watching the leaves fall in the Autumn. The glow of the combination of ingredients assists with this. There are soothing, tender inclusions that make you feel like you’re wrapped in a cozy blanket, watching the world glide by.
Furthermore, the minimalist layering allows a lot of nuance in regards to the interpretation of their experience, and is part of what makes it special. The complexity of some of the extensions adds sophistication, and the reserved arpeggios on the right hand of the keys add a shimmer in the wondrous ether. Adding any other instruments almost appears superfluous, as both the frequency spectrum and stereo field are well filled in. Everything is accounted for.
The studio production is appropriately conservative - there’s no indication that we’re trying to overcomplicate the sound. We clearly understand how to layer instruments together, capture the tone and essence we need, and make it work in a commercial-grade single. No complaints at all.
“Pieces of Time” would work well as a standalone release, as part of a movie soundtrack, or in an indie game, or literally anywhere else where atmospheric beautiful (though occasionally bittersweet) piano-and-string tunes can (or should) be heard. I wish everyone involved the best of luck!
SOCIAL LINKS:
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hXkk5Z7cwE