Six Leaves Left - Departures

​Six Leaves Left

​Departures
self-released; 2017

​3.9 out of 5

By Jay Freeman

If I could choose to geek out on any recording produced today, that transports me back to a time when this kind of music was all I listened to, it would be Departures, the soon-to-be Shunu Records release from Six Leaves Left. If you’re a fan of instrumental synth and progressive sounds that feel like they could have been written for the Blade Runner soundtrack or maybe a horror flick, then I guarantee you’ll love this album.

But the one-man orchestra, Mauro Corbia, who’s based out of Berlin, Germany, doesn’t make just any old cliché’ soundtrack stuff. There are superb guitar sounds on “Tank” that sound very Prince or Nile Rogers inspired and a Pink Floyd-ish/David Bowie sound (a la his Berlin Trilogy days)  on “Falling.” This last number also reminded me of something from the soundtrack to 28 Days Later, one of my absolute favorites.

“Eleadyus” and “Galaxy” definitely have a great soundtrack feel as well and if you check out the video to “Galaxy” on You Tube, I’m pretty sure you’ll be sufficiently creeped out. Slower ballads with a female voice speaking, like in “Paradox” and a tense-filled tempo that made me think of a street scene to some action movie on “Cosmopolis” kept the mid-section of the album engaging.

“Departures” is the longest track and it has some really sad sounding moments, as if someone you love is leaving you. “Tomorrow” kind of feels that way too and it stood apart from the others with a stripped down sound of piano and a little synth effect. But I feel that this added to the variety of sounds and fresh ideas overall. Also, the fact that each song has a one-word title adds mystery and depth to the recording, making it a good concept album as well.

​According to the band’s website, Departures won’t be available to purchase until October 13th. It will also be available for streaming and download on Spotify, iTunes, Deezer and Amazon Music. I’ll sure be making a purchase then and look forward to Corbia’s next musical adventure.

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