A beautiful trip of ambient bliss and bubbling synths rises from Jon Wirtz’s mystical “Beautiful Illusion.” Conjuring up dream-like orchestras out of thin air, the melodies, alongside the evolution of the textures, result in this entirely immersive universe. It is easy to get lost in the many different layers that Jon utilizes with ease. The nods to Max Richter’s romantic take on modern classical are undoubtedly here, as are the earlier stages of Klaus Schulze’s output. By combining these methods, the surreal alongside the emotionally charged, there’s a brilliance, a neat balance between the two extremes.
Toybox melodies give way to larger palettes on the innocent opener “Invocation.” Stark piano chords dissolve into the distance with the sheer heft of the title track, “Beautiful Illusion,” which grows and expands into a vast space. “Quickening” keeps things to the essence, stripping everything else out, displaying only his perfect piano playing. Jazzy, avant-garde approaches give “Borrowed Time” a wild, animalistic impulse. The incorporation of field recordings imbues “Nightish” with so much life. Incredible detail is displayed with the patient and persistent “Death Is A Moment/Quietus.” “The Seer” has an elegant execution. Little sound warbles persist throughout the stately “Lullaby for Sleepless Nights” that unspools gradually. Reality filters into the delicate “Day One.” “Watching Yourself Go By” ends the album on a lush note, with the arrangements alongside the found snippets of speech giving it this relaxing tenor.
“Beautiful Illusion” presents a highly tasteful experience of the classical and modern, with Jon Wirtz being a patient, skilled sound sculptor.
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