Review of Luminary by Cheryl B. Engelhardt

“How would you defeat your enemy?” The inner voice asks. “I will indulge in something that would disarm it.” The inner voice replied. This is what seems to have happened with Cheryl when she went to a retreat somewhere in Greece. She turned her entire focus inwards and spelled out the very sound of her soul. It shows the challenge, the acceptance, the struggle, the wonder, and the conquest. It is a very-very intimate journey.

This is not an album where you will find music–it is the whispers and reflections of a very deep presence.

Arguably, one of the most unusual music albums I have ever heard, ‘Luminary’ challenges you to get ready for a voyage that is not easily taken. You will not find layers of musical notes that would assist your mindfulness exercise and would help you carry along in some forgetfulness state, which might (or might not) bring some joy. It is a fight that rages within you, and the only aide that you have is ‘you.’ Unlike other albums where one tends to lose oneself, I had to be very watchful and awake to catch everything it was saying.

So, no, it is not for you if you are looking for something to play along as you while away in other tasks. It demands the whole of you–a kind a of singular dedication, so that you could face your own demons.

Album Name: Luminary

Artist Name: Cheryl B. Engelhardt

Total Time: 61:51

The album has ten songs and all of them are more than six minutes each. Though the album is a solo performance, it often feels that there are many artists on the album because of the variety of effects that have been created by introducing various sounds including vocals too.

The theme of the songs is more astronomical and carries a lot of ambient sounds, and the names of a couple of songs have Greek mythology influence.

‘Sister of Eos’ is rising up to the challenge where you are brought to a newer space away from Terra. You fight with what troubles you, and your determination helps you to overpower them, as they slowly start to ‘Deliquesce.’ Slowly, your native spirit breathes a sigh of relief with ‘Earthshine’ and ‘M. aurora.’

My favorite piece is ‘Mortal Tides,’ as it brings the joy of an individual’s victory and an angelic calling touches you. Away from snapped ambient noises, representing the ‘push-and-pull’ from all the sides, you are welcomed to a relaxed and peaceful setting.

Now you start marveling and enjoying a new vision as you see ‘Galileo’s Rings.’ The introduction of rattles in this song reminded of the tiny particles that make up these rings and how they might collide with one another producing some strange kind of music. Very innovative!

It is the song ‘Moon Harvest’ that you will get to notice the beautiful range of Cheryl’s vocals. As I mentioned earlier, it sometimes feels that there are multiple artists on the album!

The inspiration of the album stems out from the struggle that Cheryl had with panic attacks and I must commend her for what she delivered in her response to something that made her insecure and took away her freedom. It is a statement of a mind that has found the backing of its soul. And it is the victory of art, and there could be no better way to celebrate the numerous hours of practice and practicing that she put in during her formative years.

For me, this album is not created for others, but whoever listens to it will find an immediate connection. It could be uniquely personal for anybody!

Listen to this unique album on Spotify: