Portraits of Pirates crafts a meditative musical odyssey on album, "Floating Gold"
Floating Gold, the debut album from Venice Beach’s Portraits of Pirates, is a mesmerizing blend of ambient psychedelia that feels like a meditative voyage across open waters. Vince Cuneo, guitarist of the psych-rock duo Movie Club, brings his signature sound to this new solo project, crafting a reflective and immersive experience that sets a new standard for ambient instrumental music. Released on November 9th, Floating Gold takes listeners on a unique journey, one that pulls them into a dreamscape of sound and introspection.
From the opening notes, it’s clear Floating Gold is a sonic departure from Cuneo’s previous work in Movie Club. While retaining the psychedelic edge fans will recognize, this album dives into a calming and contemplative space, inspired by Cuneo’s performances at cannabis yoga events around Venice Beach. It’s music designed not just to be heard but to be felt, immersing the listener in a hypnotic, oceanic soundscape that is both soothing and exhilarating.
The album consists of ten tracks, each acting as a chapter in an instrumental narrative that ebbs and flows like the tide. There’s a tranquil energy throughout, but each piece is layered with intricate textures and shifts in tempo that keep the listener engaged. Tracks like “Blackbeard” showcase Cuneo’s impressive musicianship with hauntingly beautiful guitar work that floats over subtle electronic elements, creating an atmosphere that’s both meditative and cinematic. The accompanying music video for “Blackbeard” as well as visualizer videos for each track on YouTube only deepen the album’s allure, giving a visual form to its immersive sound.
Perhaps what makes Floating Gold so captivating is its ability to balance relaxation with moments of intensity. The music invites listeners to drift along, feeling as if they’re floating at sea, while unexpected crescendos add layers of emotion and urgency. This contrast is skillfully handled by Cuneo, who plays each note with purpose, guiding listeners through a spectrum of moods that range from peaceful introspection to a stirring sense of adventure. Tracks like “Treasure Island” and “Tortuga” build a sense of narrative, each passage conjuring imagery of open oceans, distant horizons, and endless possibilities.
Though the album is deeply reflective and primarily instrumental, it communicates a profound message. It’s music that encourages listeners to take a moment of stillness, to breathe, and to connect with themselves. Every track feels like a reminder of the importance of presence—a musical meditation that resonates long after the final note fades.
Floating Gold is not just an album; it’s a journey. Cuneo’s compositions serve as a testament to his skill as both a musician and a storyteller, capturing the spirit of Venice Beach while transcending its borders to create something universally meaningful. This record is an impressive debut from Portraits of Pirates and promises to be the start of something much larger—a sonic treasure that, once found, feels like a piece of the soul.
As we’ve loved and reviewed everything that Movie Club has put out, this is the polar opposite in sound, yet still retains that tight musicianship that we gravitated towards in the first place. Calm yourself down and give this one a listen from start to finish, which you can do by clicking those links below.
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