Album Review: Alpha Centauri by Phoenix Kaspian

Never have twelve minutes of music transported me so far across the galaxy.

Before you listen please follow the instructions at base*.

With his cosmic new album, Alpha Centauri, Phoenix Kaspian takes us on an interstellar voyage. The destination: an Earth-sized planet called 'Proxima Centauri b'. It sits within the titular constellation. We could conceivably reach it in our lifetime. But thanks to this masterwork that may not be necessary.

Here’s a track-by-track feelstream:

1/ First Sight

Have you ever seen a thing approach and been overcome by marvel? Maybe the sea breaching the horizon. Maybe the sun breaching the horizon. Maybe a deep sense of calm after trauma.

First Sight takes us from ominous uncertainty to delightful wonder. We approach Promixa Centuari b. We hope that there we shall find answers. This opening track sets the tone for what is to come. A delicious piano-synth psychwave tickled into life by expert fingers.

2/ Landing on Promixa

Proxima Centauri—a red dwarf—is the smallest star of three in the Alpha Centauri constellation. Within its Goldilocks belt is the planet Proxima Centauri b. In this track we land on the planet.

As any pilot knows, landing is the hardest part—a mad cocktail of skill and adrenaline. But land you must in order to reap the benefit of discovery. You may like to play this browser game to gain a full appreciation of the musical notes.

3/ Exploring the Diamond Forest

Pure Einaudi.

Diamonds are only expensive because their distribution is restricted. But what about a whole forest of diamonds? That sounds pretty special. Take a look inside. Stay awhile. Cry if you wish.

4/ Discovering the Mirrored City

The 80s cartoon Ulysses 31 taught us much through the retelling of ancient myths. One of those lessons was that a good mirror will reflect your true self. That is the theme of track four in this seminal album. Dare you enter? What will you see? You must take a good hard look at yourself. Do it now.

5/ The Return Home

I must not tell you anything about this epic closing track. I have said too much. Break out of Proxima’s atmosphere and set a course for Earth.

Is that a voice I can hear? An echo? A memory?

If you are ready Phoenix Kaspian will take you home. Things are different now. Hidden beauty is revealed. Bathe in its glory.

Well done. You have completed your mission.

*Before pressing play, please complete the following steps:

• Enter a dark room
• Apply headphones
• Optional: Engage the Ken Burns Cosmos screensaver on your Apple Macintosh