From Stillness to Sonic Explosions – A Review of David Helpling & Eric ‘the’ Taylor’s Latest Work ‘The Precious Dark’
With the promise of the precious wonder that lies in shadow, here darkness is celebrated. The deeper complex forms, which lie partly obscured, shine just enough to share their secret. Engineered by two sound dreamers, the possibilities are infinite, here upward bound feelings explode, sometimes proceeding in a direction that is much darker.
The Precious Dark sets a stage for a beacon of brilliant light at the center. David Helpling compares this duo collaboration to a previous project, Interdwell, “With the Dark Sky Alliance (DSA) record, I did work remotely, but the ideas were already mostly formed complete with percussion elements and strict tempos. This project was like starting fresh every time. Using restraint and composing with fewer instruments has definitely changed the way I am now approaching some other music I am working on and it is very much in line with where I am in this chapter of my life, slowing down, listening, more, loving all things, etc.”
At first pausing in infinite stillness just being restful, a special moment curls slowly in deep piano, “The Space Between Atoms” (9:34) opens a scenic lesson overlooking the Universe from above to below and back again. There is an amazing singular explosive moment after all that build-up where the beat kicks in and we are traveling at top speed, not crazy fast, but definitely snappy and productive, the joyous feeling of getting things done.
Soon we are immersed inside of “The Precious Dark” (9:59), where silky pianos, guitars and orchestra come together with extraordinary definition before taking a turn into the darkness. David says that this track started as a direct homage to John Carpenter’s 1982 film The Thing. “The Ice Has Dreams” (8:06) captures a bleak and beautiful ambient tone. Perhaps this music tells the story from The Thing’s point of view… what it went through in the minutes before it is freed from the ice.
“Her Endless Cold Embrace” (9:49) brings dark glowing tension, cold and still as you walk through the ruins after all these centuries. There may be some warming glow coming about, but the divine release is not quite yet at hand. The piano is here to guide the way into the sweet spot, a well of contented joy.
The final track, “We Rise in a Harmonious System” (10:21). With a slow fade in, we are met by a dark deep thunder horn. Ultimately the lights come up rising, we might be moving away from a planet, we might be climbing a mountain. With the now signature break moment, where a new tempo takes over and changes the temperature, we find ourselves gaining velocity heading into the void up above, which feels good and resolves with a final explosive moment where there is a break and things pump up.
“Music is always in my head. That’s how I write. I’m always dreaming.” David Helpling is an award-winning recording artist whose bold sound and haunting melodies have made him a favorite of New Instrumental and Ambient Electronic listeners, but his signature liquid guitar takes a step between genres, making his music unquantifiable. However you choose to describe it, David’s inventive music and unforgettable sound has made an impression on listeners around the world, and continues to surprise and enchant. With eight official releases to date and several more in production, he doesn’t show signs of slowing, working out of his Southern California studio, David is self-produced and is finding new purpose and creative direction by collaborating with other artists.
Ambient architect Eric “the” Taylor, was originally a drummer in Upstate NY’s early ’90s alternative scene. He soon transitioned to composing with electronic drums and synthesizers, crafting his unique modern compositions. Taylor’s collaborations include work with Tony Levin, Robert Rich, Architects of Existence, Futuregrapher and others. In Woodstock, NY, he refined his skills collaborating with Jerry Marotta and Rupert Greenall, and co-founding the ambient group The Fragile Fate. Their debut, “Lilliam Ocean,” was re-released by Trey Gunn‘s 7D Media. Recently, he joined the supergroup Dark Sky Alliance under Spotted Peccary Music, releasing their first album Interdwell in 2024.
This collaboration between Eric “the” Taylor and David Helpling not only offers a beautiful escape, it also leads their listeners to a deeper understanding of deep vast listening. Experience The Precious Dark, let yourself be transported by the immersive soundscapes. The Precious Dark is available now—dive into the journey and purchase the album here: The Precious Dark – Spotted Peccary Music
TRACKS
1 The Space Between Atoms
2 The Precious Dark
3 Cavernous Heart
4 The Ice Has Dreams
5 Her Endless Cold Embrace
6 For Those in Shadow
7 We Rise in a Harmonious System
