Micah Atwell's 2008 release, Temple of Unmanifest Dreams, is an emotionally charged and meditative ambient/electronic guitar odyssey like you've never experienced. From incense-saturated Buddhist temples to treks though the natural world and out into the far reaches of the cosmos, Micah takes you on a nostalgic, pensive search for the origin of dreams and returns you softly to the waking world. This haunting compilation is an astounding testament to what a guitar can convey!
- Temple of Unmanifest Dreams (7:32)
- In This Place (5:44)
- Visions of Rust (6:28)
- Vedauwoo (3:14)
- Chasing Futility (6:37)
- Shadia (6:28)
- Return to the Temple (4:52)
- Maybe There's Hope (4:35)
This album is dedicated to my father. No amount of music, however heartfelt or well received, could ever reciprocate all you have given me, but I hope you will see it --in and for all of its intricacies-- as a direct reflection of your influence and a continuation of your own accomplishments.
I started working on this album in 2006, though it really began in 1996. That was the year I found an exotic radio program called Hearts of Space. I was an average rock guitarist at the time, riffing away and writing songs. But the ambient soundscapes streaming in over the airwaves on those balmy summer nights awoke an uncharted part of my being. A door had opened, and illuminated within was an array of new worlds. I stood before this door gazing at my future music, music that would speak to something larger than myself... and walked through.
The theme for this album came to me during another round of balmy nights in 2006 while experimenting with some software I was writing for my PODxt Live processor. I knew I wanted an album that could serve as a testament to electronic guitar, something different yet still familiar to fans of ambient, and pleasing to non-musicians and musicians alike. Initially, I set out writing music that featured various instruments. However, I eventually opted for a "guitar-only" approach, or so much as the music would allow. And what you hear is just that... a virtually guitar-only album with just the occasional sprinkle of anything else.
Thanks... to my family for you unending support, which includes most graciously providing me the means to really explore my music. For your influence, inspiration, friendship, technical advice, reviews, and honest critiques... George Lynch, Greg "Cosman" Cerenzia, Jay Parmar, Mark London, Gerry Ganaden, Joy Basu, the Lynch community, GuitaristWorks (iMusicScene), MySpace friends, and all fans past, present, and future.
All tracks written, performed, recorded, and produced by Micah Atwell (ASCAP).
Artwork by Micah Atwell, copyright © 2008
Micah plays Warmoth and Dean electric guitars and Line6 processors.
"Excellent album. Micah's writing style really shines on TOUD. There is an ambiance and feel
that is pretty unique to him. The mixture of guitars with the various synth textures create
really meditative moods. I think the tracks achieve the purpose of whisking the listener
away to a far away destination somewhere in the subconscious. Great job with the song writing,
production and I love the picture on the CD cover!!! 5 stars for sure..."
Jay Parmar (UK) -- jayparmar.com
"Micah Atwell's debut album reveals a thoughtful, careful composer of diverse talents. There
is literally something on this album for everyone. It would be incredible enough if he'd only
composed the music -- it is phenomenal that he also produced it, designed and created the
cover and performed all of the musical instruments himself. This is an astounding recording."
S.K. Waller (USA) -- stephwaller.com
"I have been a fan of Micah's for some time now. Temple just sweeps you away to somewhere else.
Most of what your hearing is a guitar too! I am in awe of Micah's musical genius on this CD.
Having heard some demos of what it to come I can say keep your eye on this guy.
If anyone today is breaking new ground in guitar music it is Micah!"
Cosman (USA) -- Marauder Music
