Since the release of their first collaboration, Treasure, David
Helpling and Jon Jenkins have spent the past two years in the
depths of deep exile carefully crafting a new , and are
now ready to resurface with The Crossing. With this latest
collaboration, Helpling and Jenkins embark on a fresh sonic
expedition - a cinematic, powerful and deeply melodic triumph
that lifts their music to new heights. More than just a follow-up
to Treasure, The Crossing is a climb, a challenge and most of all
a continuation of the journey; a deliberate sequel that launches
from the very place that Treasure so gently released the listener
three years earlier. Jenkins explains, We wanted to take all of
the the ingredients that make a great movie or book sequel - more
action, more intensity, and somewhat darker with more daunting
challenges - and express them through the music on this record.
According to Helpling, The Crossing is a title with more than one
meaning. Not only is it a metaphorical representation of an
arduous and inspired journey across an unhomable hardship and
distance, but it is also a crossing of two paths, of two
currents; the result of which is complex and beautiful as well as
powerful and intangible. The Crossing is a project which ignores
current trends in ambient and electronic music, and Helpling and
Jenkins are fearless in their pursuit of the lush and monumental
sound that dominates their artistic vision. All the essentials
for an epic journey are here: compelling and expansive
multi-layered drum elements contrasted by alluring yet elusive
textures, strong melodies appearing over powerful percussion,
synths and guitars, all of which give way to vast spaces of deep
and mystifying ambience. From grand melodic vistas to enveloping
sonic clouds of textural mystery, The Crossing leads the listener
to the ends of the earthand beyond. TRACK LISTING 1. Awake (4:13)
2. Two Paths (6:57) 3. From The Smallest Seed (5:35) 4. The Same
Sky (6:07) 5. The Crossing (5:58) 6. Above All (3:28) 7. For The
Fallen (9:29) 8. The Lesson (6:38) 9. To The Ends Of The Earth
(8:23) 10. Not Forgotten (7:16) 11. Lifted (6:35)
Review
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"These two ace musicians continue to blaze a trail where
few contemporaries dare to tread." --Bill Binkelman, Zone Music
Reporter
"I can't recommend this album enough, wish I could give it 10
stars instead of 5!" --Tangram's Music Blog
"You can't help but be swept up in the cinematic expanse of The
Crossing" --John Diliberto, Echoes Radio (NPR)
"Not since the mid-'80s has the genre had a duo that so
powerfully and hypnotically fuses keyboard, electric guitar, and
ambient textures." --AllMusic.com
"A bold, hefty, cinematic work, moving and panoramic and dramatic
enough to frequently take your breath away" --Hypnagogue
"Helpling and Jenkins treat the audience to rich, methodical
tunes no hit-making producer could ever create"
--TheCelebrityCafe.com
"Captures the best qualities of emotive electronic music"
--Progression Magazine (issue 61)
"Expansive panoramas of sweeping beauty and elegant drama"
--Morpheus Music
"Loaded with intrinsic beauty, emotion and flair" --Sonic
Immersion
"An inspired ascendancy that takes it all to the next level"
--Expose Magazine, issue 39