"I know the songwriter
Jeff Sanders for a couple of years now and everytime he sends me something of
his brainchild Mountain Mirrors it´s always a little celebration for me, cause
the music Jeff writes is emotional, catchy and on a really high level, but this
time Mr. Sanders set one on top...what I hear here is unbelieveable. This is
fantastic songwriting for sure. This time Jeff broke out of the psychedelic
genre and goes new ways...I would say more alternative ways. I first thought of
a accoustic Alice In Chains....great stuff. I also like the pianos and the
violins he put in his songs this time. Mountain Mirrors is light and dark in
one...beautiful and fascinating...Mountain Mirrors is a accoustic trip which
should never stop. One of the most stunning releases this year...great." - RB, Daredevil Magazine
"In my little world, full of Metal with a lot of "aggressive" music, sometime I
receive some albums that give me the luck to do some real break. Today I got
"Mountain Mirrors" the 2nd album of an American artist, Jeff Sanders. This album
is a really beautiful piece of Progressive Folk/Rock/Metal that will remind you,
without any doubt, some bands like Pink Floyd but also some other ones, a bit
more "Metal", like Opeth (when they play their acoustic songs of
course…).
For sure if you like Opeth's acoustic songs, you'll probably
love this release because "Mountain Mirrors" is full of these kind of beautiful
acoustic melancholic songs. This release is a bit like a musical poem with some
really beautiful lyrics and evidently a lot of nice melodies. Don't expect fast
rhythms though, this production is a pure Progressive release in the vein of the
ones that it was possible to listen to during the 70's. So that's right,
"Mountain Mirrors" doesn't sound "new" but for sure its music is not out of date
and if you just like to be touched in the deepest part of you heart I'm sure
that the production of Jeff Sanders will have its little emotive effect on
you.
Musically speaking, "Mountain Mirrors" is full of acoustic/folk
guitars, but you'll be able to find also some percussion, bass and electric
guitars (for the soli) and some lines of keyboards. This is peaceful and the
rhythms are slow in general but there is something magic in this release, it's
poesy really. Also, the deep melancholic voice of Jeff is really beautiful and
for sure some of you will be touched by its quality and will have some good
feeling when you'll listen to it.
The production of "Mountain Mirrors" is
good, and I really believe that this album will please the ones who just like
Progressive Rock a la Pink Floyd, like the ones who like the "Accoustic Metal"
of Opeth. If you just want to pass a peaceful moment listening to some cool
music, have a look on this release which deserves all your attention." - Jeff, Metal Storm
"If the acoustic side of Green Carnation, Opeth, Porcupine Tree and Pink Floyd
are to your liking, then this should definitely be on your short list of albums
to check out." - Justin Donnely, The Metal Forge
"Mountain Mirrors is the second album by Jeffrey Sanders, but he also
enlisted the help of several musicians for richer and more varied compositions.
Mountain Mirrors is often described as "heavy acoustic music from the woods of
Massachusetts", and after listening to this disc, you'll know why.The slightly folky acoustic guitars, sweet drum cadences, subtle keyboard
sounds, and most importantly Sanders' otherwordly vocals, when combined, do
invite comparisons to names like Opeth, Nick Drake, Pink Floyd, and even Alice
In Chains' unplugged material, but overall, the music presented on this disc is
in a league all its own. Having never heard the first Mountain Mirrors disc, I
have no idea how this one differst from it, but rest assured that the
songwriting and musicianship is top-notch, with some of the most beautifully
grey melodies you'll hear. "Stay Evil", a dark and punishing song, kicks the CD
off, allowing haunting lyrics ("Burn - burn away the haze!") to ride over
a forlorn acoustic melody that is eventually accentuated by the addition of
keys, drums, and Drake-like melancholic vocals. In the second half, the song
charts 70's prog territory, picking up synths and guitar solos. Much like the
opening track, "The Demon's Eye" continues in a similar fashion, but the lyrics
are even darker and more poetic. Elad Pish's trumpets and percussion work shine
over sombre piano notes that contrast decidedly heavier guitar riffs. Cymbals
crash vehemently in the background as Sanders utters the words: "On black
wings flies...the Demon's Eye / Dancing on your grave / your soul can't be saved
/ you'll always be a slave..." before the band delves into an intense outro
section, displaying first-rate instrumental ability.Beneath "Karmic Dogs" is planted a demented electronic patch along with
quirky echoic sounds generated through majestic keyboard playing and a nice
cello motif is utilised at the end to give the song its deserved climactic
ending. There is also more cello to hear on the extremely bleak "Calm Before the
Storm", possibly Sanders evoking Drake like never before. Special mention also
goes to "Your Time Has Come", a very Opethian number, given its Damnation-like
opening where startling acoustic guitars are joined by ominous piano and even
analog synths floating above the whole piece like a dark cloud. Even Sanders
sounds like Mikael Akerfeldt on this piece. Without doubt, the most personal song on the album must be the closing track
"Praying Mantis", a piece Sanders wrote after the passing of his grandfather.
All instrumental, this was the first song he wrote for this album, and it ends
the record on a very sad yet slightly hopeful note." - Murat Batmaz, Sea of Tranquility
"If you want your ass rocked off on every cut, or don’t want to be surprised, or
don’t like exploring the space inside your skull, this is not the album for you.
For those mental travelers who enjoyed “Lunar Ecstasy”, you simply will not
believe how far Jeff Sanders has taken his music and what his bandmates (-- this
is a band!) add to the mix, and you really need to get this! And, if you aren’t
familiar with his work, and if the idea of a swirling, lysergic, acoustic, dark,
treacherously beautiful hybrid of pop and instrument appeals to you, this is
definitely the first Mountain Mirrors album to get." - John Page, Stonerrock.com
"Beautiful...The music is dark and acoustic. Jeff has a warm voice that reminds me, surely
during the first songs, of Mike Akerfeldt and the 'Damnation' album of Opeth.
Other influences are Nick Drake and Pink Floyd. In the lyrics, Jeff develops
himself as a sensitive, thoughtful man who renders his reveries in a poetic way.
It is a perfect and delicious album to listen to and relax with a good glass of
wine within reach. People who have a liking for the acoustic albums released by
Prophecy Productions, will enjoy Mountain Mirrors a lot." - Vera, Lords of Metal
Fans of Pink Floyd and mellow Opeth will really dig this one. Mellow yet melodic
throughout the entire 8 epic tracks, this album is perfect for the metal fan
when they would like to take a break from the intense music we have all come to
love. Mountain Mirrors is the brainchild of Jeff Sanders. What impresses me is
what he has done with very little. I also appreciate the fact that many of his
influences are not music related, but rather from movies and life experiences.
Jeff's vocals are hypnotizing to say the least. The music flows behind him and
does a good job of painting a vivid picture. This would be difficult to listen
to over and over, but a good one to bring out when the mood calls for it. I
would suggest checking out Mountain Mirrors for sure. - Darren, Adrenalin Fanzine
"Mountain Mirrors takes the best moments of Opeths stunning Damnation
album and adds a tough 60s/70s psychedelic folk and progressive rock
influence forming something I would label as acoustic progressive folk
rock music. Take softly plucked acoustic guitars, light percussion,
trippy/groovy keyboards, symphonic undertones, breathtaking vocals, and
thoughtful lyrics alongside a slew of emotional sentiments and I've
almost described what Mountain Mirrors sounds like. Problem is though
Mountain Mirrors sound really goes beyond description, and is just that
excellent of a band..." - Lunar Hypnosis
more reviews coming soon!
Reviews for "Lunar Ecstasy"
Stefan
Koglek(Colour Haze)- "Your new record turned out to be a real masterpiece - for me
not just for the moment, I'm sure it's one of the records I will spin every here
and then for years! Congratulations! I think you did a great job in every thing,
composing, arangement, guitarwork, singing, production, coverart... just
everything is right and good : )"
David
Nevue
-
"I just want to drop you a note and say that I've been very
much enjoying your CD. I have it in my car. That's a high honor! Not
many CDs make it there." - Midnight Rain Productions
Mats
Gustafsson
- "a spacey, hypnotic and hazy take on psychedelic songwriting, delivered with
gentle ease and great appreciation for soulful melodies. It’s a fairly bleak
listen but it’s also a beautiful one, which I know that I will keep coming back
to." - The Broken Face / Free City Media
StonerrockChick
- "What a beautiful record to listen to! I absolutely loved Jeff's "Voices" but in
my opinion "Lunar Ecstasy" is pure ambient/psychedelic bliss. Mountain Mirrors,
which is the solo project of outstanding musician Jeff Sanders, takes all things
ambient and psychedelic and adds in electronica and some pretty, yet
exceptionally heavy riffage to create this album of serenity gone a little mad.
Things are so beautiful in this world of lunar ecstasy that Jeff has created.
There is so much to get out of this album. Deep-seated in mid-sixties hippy
psychedelica (which brings to mind while listening visions of flowers and peace
and all things good) and extending to the epic song writing talents of 70's era
Led Zeppelin and even adding in the strangeness of the electronic beats of bands
like Mouse on Mars. That's quite the feat, and Jeff has accomplished this with
finesse. Even bringing in elements of Pink Floyd and speaking to us in the
language of a shaman, full of wisdom and truth and the search for truth.
"A Short Burst of Clarity" is a song similar to what you might hear
coming from Steve Dandy (Orchestra Del Dieserto) or Hermano. A steady groove
against a backdrop of strange psychedelic riffs and desert sounding guitar. A
real desert feel exists in this song and the beat and groove will send your mind
elsewhere but on the daily rut of life (as will the whole album). A short and
sweet tune. "Lunar Ecstasy" is a semi-jazzy number along the same vein as say,
Massive Attack or even Portishead. A great groove and stellar violin provided by
Bradford Athey. Deep, sexy bass grooves along with some semi-industrial style
guitar. Very cool! It has a light feel with very dark overtones. "Sacred Space"
is a song about introspection and happiness. Who are we, where do our souls lie?
What are our dreams? For me, this song is so very sad and so very beautiful.
Acoustic bliss! "Apparition" is where I hear the quirky electronica often found
in the work of bands like Mouse on Mars. Somewhat eerie and sensual. "Where the
Green Meets The Blue" is an epic song with very spacial beats which create a
moody soundscape, sometimes hauntingly sad, sometimes happy. Once again, another
diamond of a song open for much personal interpretation. "Afterlife" seems
somewhat medieval in it's execution and feel. This song should be on a
soundtrack for some grand epic fantasy movie! The piano adds an unsettling
ambience to the strange song which concerts up barren lands and purple skies.
This song is much more focused in the space rock/post rock genre and simply
soars and then crashes down again in utter silence. Wonderful! Again with
"Last Resort" Jeff brings to the forefront the focus on electronic beats and
moody overtones to bring us a very retrodelic down tempo ambient piece.
Beautiful acoustic guitar and harmony that caresses and soothes. "Agent Orange"
is about Vietnam war and as such is sad, sad, sad with music and lyrics to fit
the ache of the soul. A very Pink Floydesque song that aptly takes on the
aftermath of the war and sends the images to us through sound. E-Bow on this
piece provided by Nick Bensen. The longest song on the record at just over 5 and
a half minutes. The closing finale to Lunar Ecstasy is the song "Rain", a short
and sweet track perfect for putting on when the weather outside speaks of
heartbreak and hope and new beginnings and deep sadness.
Obviously I
got a lot out of this album, and I expect most people will. Mountain Mirror's
"Lunar Ecstasy" is a brilliant piece of work. Fit for poets and travelers and
seekers and those just wanting something sweet and sad, yet beautiful to listen
to. I love this album. Lunar Ecstasy is amazing.
Check out the
beauty and talent that is Mountain Mirrors. You can sample every song off Lunar
Ecstacy on the website. It is well worth it." - Deanna St. Croix
The
Sound Monitor - "Lunar Ecstasy is an original genre-breaking album, in that it's not
something easily described. The album ranges from atmospheric sounds to
Massive Attack style trip-hop with your more standard acoustic
guitar & soft singing tracks. The music takes you on numerous twists and
turns throughout dark and beautiful landscapes from your dreams and nightmares.
This is one of those perfect chill-out albums with brief touches of
Delerium, Alice in Chains, Led
Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Massive Attack,
Portishead and The Tea Party. Mountain Mirrors
finds its own unique style and there is true brilliance in the subtle,
minimalist way Jeff Sanders goes about creating this artwork. His songs are
quite simple, often only having a couple of soft instruments, but are merged
together to create not just music but wild and wonderful visions and
stories.
Lunar Ecstasy is the second album by Mountain Mirrors, a follow up
to 2002's Improvisations from a Void. There are a number of guest
performers on the album that add everything from violins to e-bows to orchestral
sounds. The first track 'A Short Burst of Clarity' starts off with a simple
techno drum intro and eerie guitar that reminds me of the latest Tea Party
album. It's a dark song that will invoke various images in your head. The title
track is a song more appropriate for a laid back day at the beach: the type of
song you’d play in an open-top car while cruising past the beaches. In the
middle of the song there is a pretty cool heavy guitar riff that kicks in,
altering the tone of the song nicely.
‘Your Sacred Space’ and ‘Where the Green Meets the Blue’ are acoustic guitar
& vocals only. They both are strangely similar to the same type of tracks
from bands like Alice in chains and early-Stone Temple Pilots.
The type of track that is beautiful but slightly freaky at the same time. ‘Where
the Green…’ also has a subtle yet effective tribal drum backing.
One of my favourite tracks on the album is possibly the most varied.
‘Apparition’ is pure samples. A very simple beat with atmospheric synth over the
top and just a pattern repeated on a keyboard.
But by far my pick of the tracks is ‘Agent Orange’ which switches between a
soft Massive Attack / Tea Party style into a dark and brooding chorus. It's not
easy to explain something so complex yet so simple, it really has to be
heard.
This is one of those albums that a large variety of people are going to love
and it doesn't matter what kind of music you normally listen to. The only
negative thing I can say about it is that it's a little short and leaves you
wanting more. I urge you to check this one out, I’m eagerly awaiting a follow
up." -Nathan Paeuril
Zeitgeist
- "Back in the mists of
2002 we were well taken with Jeff Sanders' Mountain Mirrors and his "Voices" EP.
Well, good as that was, nothing prepared us for something this good. Fair
enough, Jeff tried to warn us, describing this as "inspirational Zen Rock
soundscapes, blending Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Beatles influences with
down tempo grooves, dank guitar work and otherworldy imagery". I mean, yeah
right! But in the immortal words of Janice from Friends, "oh my God"! It is that
good.
There's still a huge space rock influence on display, but Jeff has
absorbed the 21st century and mixed things up to a point where you have to cast
aside the conventions of musical boundaries and start listening afresh. The
opening track doesn't really give sufficient warning of what to expect merely
hinting at post rock via Anathema.
It's really on the second titular
track, that things really start to take off combining Tricky type trip hop and
Pink Floyd, building up to a Hawkwind riff before rounding off with a stellar
violin solo! "Your Sacred Space" heads back into introspective mode, an acoustic
yet powerful lament that leads us into the dystopian futuristic nightmare of
"Apparition". Fortunately, it's only a brief visit to an instrumental nightmare
before Jeff invites to experience the infinite on "Where The Green Meets The
Blue", another acoustic track, but one a million miles away from "Your Sacred
Space", beating in time to our hearts and passions.
"Afterlife" is the
most beautiful moment on the CD, benefitting immensely from the sympathetic
orchestration of Derek Devore, and if they're ever looking for someone to score
a remake of "Casablanca", this tugs at more than enough heartstrings. "Last
Resort" stirs things up a bit, being a piece of pure blissed out psych straight
out of Tintern Abbey, and those seeking a look back at where Jeff started should
start here. "Agent Orange" sees Free City Media man Nick Bensen guesting on a
reflective yet menacing number which could easily have come from the mind of Roger Waters circa "The Final Cut". "Rain" plays us out, a simple yet engaging
solo guitar, ending a fabulous 30 minute trip. This will prove itself a
highlight of this or any other year." - Stuart Hamilton
StonedGods- (Album of the Month, February 2004) - "Back is one of my favourite projects, named Mountain Mirrors;
it's the gentle dream produced by the mind of Jeff Sanders, a guy that since a
while is releasing astonishing music (check out his previous work, also reviewed
on our website). Mr. Sanders' music is so special because it has the ability to
transfer to you some feelings, in a way I've rarely experienced before. This
"lunar ecstasy" is indeed a very nocturnal experience, but don't think that with
this I mean it is dark or aggressive stuff, far from it! Instead, most of the
songs, are works of art that can make you "feel" the chill of the night.
Imagine yourself, outside of the city, under the black-blue sky, nature all
around... some trees scattered in the distance, no fucking cars anywere, the
sound of small animals and insects, your breath... this is Mountain Mirrors to
me, I am so grateful that Jeff could produce such a fine record. Technically
speaking, I must say the music is very well executed and recorded, I specially
loved the warm vocals, they really make me feel good, and also the acoustic
guitars are super. This Lunar Ecstasy is a mix of rock guitars, warm vocals,
electronic synts... stonerrock it might not be, but this is one of the more
touchy and original stuff around these days! Come on, what are you waiting
for?" - Alex Muraro
Daredevil
- "My favourite one-man-band is back with a lot of psyched out trippin´ stuff. This
time Jeff entered new ways of recording and mixing his music...the music is more
present and clear...also the arrangements are just perfect...classic guitars
with violins and piano...that reminds me a bit of the older Smashing
Pumpkins...ok, that maybe gives the music a pretty dramatic backround, but I
love it when a album is arranged like that and me as the listener...I have much
more fun. I would say this is a modern version of CAN mixed with some Ten Years
After and old Pink Floyd...yes...the right mixture for a nice evening!!!"
- Ralf Burkart
Psycotic
S. T. (France) - "MOUNTAIN
MIRRORS: MOUNTAIN MIRRORS, yes....!!! Already, the name lends
At rest of the heart.... Already, the title: form and color
which mixes harmoniously... And then the sound comes... Distressing
poësy, envoûtement languorous, delicate anguish...
Rare thing... TALENT...!!! GENIE...!!! Too much rare, too much
limpid...!!! Supreme joy...!!! Guitar which passes very close
to the fingers, beat of drums, lightness of the pulsations,
intimate carresses, émerveilllement directions and supreme
pleasure...MOUNTAIN MIRRORS........Simple like the wind, limpid
like the sea and to tend like the storm...10/10" - Pat
Laho "the little big boss man"
MiDi
- "Whatever it is Jeff is doing here, is SPOT ON. This guy has a gift, and what he
has to offer is Absolutely Needed in this gray, murky swamp of copy, and pasted,
clone-a-like crap of a music industry slump we are in right now. He truly brings
you original flavor, with a splash of incredible uniqueness, that Mr. Sanders
Demands you listen to, and Appreciate. Track 1, 'A Short Burst of Clarity', is
by far my favorite, and, from what I feel, Jeff's strongest abiltity is shining
here. This Track, creates the album, and plays a huge part in foreshadowing the
rest of his piece. This CD has some sort
of logic to it. If you listen to it on shuffle, it just won't make sense. It
would be like watching a movie on shuffle. Its a very sequenced, and well
thought out sonic image of Mr. Sanders thoughts. IMO. Bottom Line is. Buy this
Album if you are looking for new, and refreshing approach to your sonic
earholes. Its absolutly 1 in a Million... Great Work Jeff. I look forward to
more from you." - Chris Lehne
Hellride
Music - "THIS IS A GREAT LISTEN! From the Beck - like Lunar
Ecstasy to the hauntingly beautiful instrumental Apparition to the acoustic
track Where the Green Meets the Blue to another hauntingly beautiful
instrumental called Afterlife, complete with breathtaking orchestration. The
psychedelic Last Resort and the song about the Viet Nam war, Agent Orange. I did
not go over every song on Lunar Ecstasy, just the very best!(in my mind)But
believe me, every song is an excellent listen! Jeff has
really come into his own with Lunar Ecstasy. I am a big fan of the s/t first cd,
but Lunar Ecstasy is mind blowing!" - Darryl Baysinger
Don
Campeau (No Pigeonholes Radio) - "I just was able to finally listen to your new CD all the way through after work
today. It's a terrific production with an exceptional level of continuity and
quality. I am impressed, even more than your last disc which was very fine. This
is outstanding work Jeff and I look forward to airing it soon on the show."
Alaska's
Tundra Trash Radio - "I just got Jeff's CD in the mail yesterday and have been listening to this CD
non stop!! What a beautiful piece of work! I was really blown away by
how incredible the CD is... I can't say enough how awesome it is!! Very cool."
- Beth Jobe
Peacedogman.com
- "MOUNTAIN MIRRORS is the project of talented musician/poet/multi-instrumentalist
Jeff Sanders and ‘Lunar Ecstasy' is his second release. The info that came with
this CD as well as the website describes the music as ‘Zen Rock'. What's that
you ask? Well, based on to the two opening tracks I'd say its somewhat of a
cross between HAWKWIND and MASSIVE ATTACK. When it reaches the third track the
album seems to take a plunge inward and we are treated to gentle, acoustic NICK
DRAKE-like ballads and some instrumental pieces that makes me think this guy
should be writing film scores. The heavy guitars only come out again on the
second to last track, the menacing "Agent Orange" (yes, it's about Vietnam), the
one dark song on an otherwise very serene album.
Although the music is quite psychedelic at times it never
loses itself in the endless jamming that makes some of that old psychedelic rock
so unbearable. In fact, the songs are all quite short and to the point. And
since there's only 9 songs this leads to a record that barely passes the half
hour-mark. Some people may consider this a flaw, but in my opinion this is one
of those albums that you have to listen to as a whole. Although as far as I know
it's not a concept album the order of the songs actually seems to make some kind
of sense. In other words, don't press "shuffle" when playing this.
The final conclusion? Personally I like it a lot. I will
leave it at that for now, since even after repeated listens I still have the
feeling this album hasn't revealed all of its secrets to me yet. All you
adventurous music types know what to do." - The Angry Dutchman
