Reviewed by Rick Ellis for 'Topanga Magazine' 2009.

Time starts now

Dave Dale

www.CDBaby.com/DaveDale 

“Breathe in, Breathe out”. Dave Dales new CD "Time Starts Now" is a fun, satisfying, eclectic groove road trip, an ‘alternative pop collection’ with playful exaltations of the divine, a wink of cheeky English humor and a yearning heart.

The opening track, "Out Of Control", lifts off with a passionate driving acoustic guitar, followed by a sexy thumping groove. A deep “OM” drones out of both speakers but soon cascades into a catchy, punky electric guitar riff. A nasty groove is in full force long before the vocals enter, "Ego, Out of Control. Ego, Out of Control.”... The dynamics here are worth noting, as the song transitions into a soft electronica keyboard break featuring guest vocalist and Harmonium player Nadaji, who teases us with a sensual chant of “Ganesha” before returning full force to the main driving riff. This track epitomizes what will unfold throughout the CD with catchy, dynamic, uncommon twists and turns and the same creative groove flow, that Dave’s production contributed to Donna DeLory's Sanskrit Mantra CD, "The Lover and The Beloved."

 “Save The World” is a modern retro rocker with a contagious hook, then on “Drivin’ in my Car”, Dave inquires, "Which heaven do I go to?".  In a world rife with theological aggressions, this is a ‘protest/un-protest’ song of the highest order, with a guest appearance by World Percussionist Hani Naser.

Amid a skilful mix of soulful rhythmic acoustic ambience and innovative high tech dance pop, Topanga singer-songwriters, Wendy Smith and Abba Roland's sensual vocals weave, tease and slap throughout "City Of Angels".

I can hear “Our Love” lifting out of someone's I-Machine in Tokyo 2050, as this timeless song is full of ache and celebration.

The closing track on this collection, "Noura Café”, is an instrumental featuring the haunting Violin of ‘Cold Case’ Composer Michael Levine. This Downtempo groove is a perfect ending, this is music to bring you up, not down and as Topangan Ellen South comments:

“This CD is a Commitment to creativity. I've listened to it loads of times and never get tired of it. It's visual and sensual, combining the healing of Topanga with the edginess of the UK. This is a multi-layered work that is as fresh as it is satisfying.”  Dave Dale’s music has an unpretentious edginess about it that dodges the new age and steps with human quirkiness into fun, love, now!”.

Go treat yourself and buy this CD.