Galactic Wanderer - Life's Journey

Galactic Wanderer

Life's Journey
self-released; 2016

3.6 out of 5

By Ted Rogen
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Galactic Wanderer aka Harley Broughton melds progressive rock and ambient, atmospheric soundscapes on his release Life's Journey. Broughton doesn’t meld the two genres too often but preferred to compartmentalize the styles by song. 

That being said the first track “The Fall” does meld some different flavors. It starts off the song with strings and I really liked where it was going. I have to admit I was a bit disappointed when it stopped rather abruptly and was replaced by a  distorted guitar. Luckily, Broughton redeems himself with some solid prog rock. I throughly enjoyed the remainder of the song.

Up next is the title track with a soundscape of sounds. He utilizes distortion, synths and vocal samples. It has a tinge of Brian Eno and has a cosmic, ethereal quality to it. “The Journey Begins” is slower moving but a heavy rock song that goes from containing mounds of distortion to soft peaks. It’s one of the more notable songs on the album and was quite dynamic and unique.

“The Forest of Light” contains soft pads with subtle percussion while “Love on the Boardwalk” is a slow moving ambient piece that between the seagulls and reverb almost made me fall asleep. “Star Gazing” felt like the centerpiece of album. There isn’t a word in the song but someone sounds like a siren.

“The Wings of my Heart” was begging for some vocals at points but nonetheless contained some solid lead guitar while “Living a Fairy Tale” is one of the more energetic and chaotic sounding songs on the album.

​Life's Journey has its minor mishaps and would have benefited from more pristine production but was still quite a success in my eyes. It’s evident Broughton really put in time and effort to make the album conceptually connected. There is a push and pull with each song which serves the greater whole.

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