9 tracks. Running time 52:14 Hearing the tender new age music on A Face in the Clouds it's a surprise to know that Marshall Styler's substantial musical career was previously in rock 'n' roll bands - particularly Duke Jupiter. His current music is inspired by artists such as Andreas Vollenweider and Deep Forest, and is focused on human emotions and the scenery of Central Texas. The music is a combination of piano and keyboard accompaniments without any particular instrument taking centre stage. Most tracks come in at under six minutes so the emotions and feelings that inspire each track can be explored far enough without being stretched too far. In the opening title track “A Face in the Clouds” a piano melody giving off a sense of contemplation and loss slowly plays out against orchestral style synth pads. This track is inspired by the son of a fireman killed in the World Trade Center who sees a face in clouds and who then feels his father is looking out for him. Different sounds and moods are heard as the piece progresses, reflecting the varied emotions in such a story. Listening to “If I Could Do It All Again” and “Orchards, Vineyards, and Wildflowers Waltz” I had a sense of deja vu that I couldn't pinpoint until eventually it hit me that a couple of the refrains are similar to parts of Chris Franke's Pacific Coast Highway. Though there are many different inspirations for the nine tracks on this album Marshall weaves the music together to form a coherent whole with a distinct feel to it. For me this album works best as background to an easygoing day. Because the music tends to the pretty and sweet end of the new age spectrum it can be a bit too much unless you're heavily into this genre. Overall I found A Face in the Clouds to be an enjoyable album that may appeal to fans of Andreas Vollenweider and 2002.