“Beauty Untouched,” the third track from the album Reflections by Some Distant Memory, is more than just a song—it’s a transcendent experience. The track serves as a musical odyssey that weaves together elements of ethereal soundscapes, rich storytelling, and a deep connection to the lore that defines the project.
From the very first note, “Beauty Untouched” envelops the listener in a hauntingly beautiful ambiance. The track’s extended length allows for an immersive experience, where the music gradually evolves, revealing layers of intricate instrumentation and melodic progressions. The music swells and recedes like waves, evoking a feeling of movement through time and space. It’s a journey that mirrors the narrative arcs often found in the lore of NORS, the fictional universe that underpins the project.
Some Distant Memory is not just a musical project; it’s a gateway into the world of NORS, a richly detailed universe. The band’s lore is deeply intertwined with the music, and “Beauty Untouched” is no exception. The track can be seen as a reflection of the experiences of its characters—notably, the Divine Baroness Nora Lumwood.
In the lore, Nora is a pivotal figure, born in the peaceful Fifth Age of Gielinor, a world filled with magic, history, and discovery. Her life is marked by her encounters with Jasper Ian Albrecht, the man behind Some Distant Memory, whom she saves and rehabilitates. Together, they work towards the cultural enrichment of both Gielinor and Earth, using music as a bridge between their worlds.
“Beauty Untouched” could be interpreted as an ode to Nora’s journey—a sonic representation of the untouched beauty she encounters and embodies. The track’s serene yet powerful composition mirrors the tranquility and strength found in her character, while the underlying tension reflects the challenges and mysteries she faces in her travels.
“Beauty Untouched” is part of Reflections (Part 1), an album that continues to build on the themes and stories introduced in Some Distant Memory’s earlier works. The album is divided into parts, with each track contributing to a larger narrative. The songs preceding “Beauty Untouched”—“Novel Narrative Instrumental” and “Raised In The Shades”—set the stage for the journey ahead, while the tracks that follow, “Forwards and Backwards” and “Just A Story,” further expand on the themes of time, memory, and identity.
Reflections is an exploration of introspection and growth, both on a personal level for Jasper and within the expansive lore of NORS. The album delves into the idea of looking back on past experiences, understanding their impact, and moving forward with newfound wisdom. “Beauty Untouched,” as the midpoint of this journey, serves as a moment of reflection and reverence, where the beauty of the past is acknowledged and appreciated before the journey continues.
Since its inception in 2016 with the album Revelation, Some Distant Memory has carved out a unique space in the music scene. The project has garnered attention from various music publications, including Daily Music Roll, Vents Magazine, and Music USA Today, among others. This recognition speaks to the project’s ability to resonate with listeners, not just through its music but through the rich storytelling that accompanies it.
“Beauty Untouched” and the Reflections album continue this legacy, offering a blend of captivating music and immersive lore that invites listeners to dive deeper into the world of NORS. With each release, Jasper Ian Albrecht and his fictional bandmates further solidify their place in the music and storytelling landscape, creating a body of work that is as thought-provoking as it is beautiful.
For those willing to embark on this journey, “Beauty Untouched” offers a glimpse into a world where music, story, and imagination converge—a world where beauty, in its purest form, remains untouched.
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