Metamora - Morning Walk (CD)

All Music Guide

From the Oregon trio comes this 1988 release of new age music, heavy in hammered dulcimer and synthesizers (to some ears it's perhaps a bit too heavy in such). There is a high level of borrowing from various Northern European traditions inherent in their music, with arrangements of traditional Norwegian and Belgian tunes making appearances on Morning Walk. In some ways, the music is reminiscent at times of a basic family drama film's score, and at others it's more reminiscent of the various folk traditions that spawned parts of the group's sound. Either way, the work is performed admirably, though the arrangements themselves may seem a bit dry and unadventurous to many listeners. Pick it up as a fan of the basic '80s light film-score sound or as a fan of innovations in the European (besides Celtic) traditions. Otherwise, stay a good distance away from the blandness.

- Adam Greenberg, All Music Guide