Ossia

Los Angeles, CA, synth ace George Sarah is a multidimensional composer/performer who also incorporates live strings and other entities into his vast arsenal. Marked by the radiant sonic characteristics of this outing, the artist pursues groove-based trip-hop beats, reverberating ostinato motifs, acutely arranged EFX treatments, and much more. Sarah is obviously a master of various studio techniques via his layered approach and subtle synth swashes. However, the artist is also a supreme melody maker. At times, he abides by a systematic yet climactically oriented mode of attack, where he's apt to inject childlike themes into the mix, not to mention dabs of electro-acoustic, folk-type musings. On Ossia, simple melodies serve as the framework for a hodgepodge of pulsating backbeats and a balanced regimen. Through it all, Sarah exudes a slightly enigmatic demeanor fused with ethereal sounds and oscillating patterns. This is one of those rare musical events that makes a noticeable impression during the initial listening experience. It gets even better the second and third time around.