Two years in the making, Jeff Dimmick has released his debut CD, Invisible Attributes. Combining synthesizer, keyboards, and guitars, Dimmick has created a vibrant soundscape that ranges from bold and exciting to ambient and floating. The album’s title is a reference to Romans 1:20: “For since the creation of the world His Invisible Attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made...” Some of the eleven original tracks have a big cinematic quality while others are much more soothing, demonstrating Dimmick’s versatility as a composer and multi-instrumentalist. The music indicates influences by electronic, ambient, progressive rock, jazz, fusion, and classical forms of instrumental music, making it difficult to classify (always a good thing!). The closing track was inspired by a childhood fascination with a treasured music box that also inspired the cover artwork.

Invisible Attributes begins with “Mystery of the Seven Stars,” a piece that opens with a sparkling keyboard riff backed by ethereal strings. More instrumentation is added and subtracted in layers as the piece evolves - sometimes very rhythmic and intense, sometimes light and delicate. An intriguing start! “More Than Conquerors” pairs a sweet acoustic guitar pattern with a more militaristic snare-drum beat, again adding layers of flutes, bass, brass and other instruments to tell a vivid story without words. I really like this one! “Whirling Tempest” is the perfect title for a piece that is very intense and never stops moving. In total contrast, “Celestial Journeys” is an almost eleven-minute musical exploration of freely and effortlessly floating in space. “Triumphal Procession” has strong roots in prog rock - bright and upbeat with an intense rhythm. “Dwelling of Light” has a magical quality that suggests sunbeams dancing on walls and floors as flutes play a soothing melody. As the piece evolves, other instruments carry the melody as the beams of light continue to swirl and dance. “Hear the Call” is another favorite. Strong percussion and electric guitars punctuate the compelling melody with energetic outbursts that make this piece exciting and passionate. It would be great behind the closing credits of a movie that leaves you breathless. “Peals of Thunder” is darkly mysterious like the foreboding black clouds that roll in before a big storm. “Dream Box Lullaby” begins with the sound of a music box being wound. The music box then plays its gentle phrase from Tchaikovsky’s “The Swan Lake.” On the repeat of the melody, Dimmick adds strings, but then a very ominous-sounding orchestral theme appears. From there, it is something of a theme and variations with graceful interpretations that mix with scarier ones. This innocent-sounding music box must have played a very active part in the very young Dimmick’s imagination!

Jeff Dimmick presents a fascinating of collection of music in his recording debut! It is available from Amazon, iTunes, and CD Baby. Recommended if you are looking for exciting and stimulating music!