First, I want to say on record that this album diverts intentionally from the previous “model” (long songs, interludes, experiments, avant garde, etc.). I’ve mostly accomplished what I set out to do initially and feel that a little musical change was in order. I’d had very little experience prior to working on this project in writing more pop-friendly fare. I wanted as well to capture many different themes, moods, etc., and paint a different type of canvas than I did on its two predecessors.Second, it takes the perspective of a live band recording in a garage/bedroom/studio/warehouse/etc. Instead of crafting wide spaced scapes and multitracking orchestrated arrangements--along with the ambiguous nature of said compositions--came an album comprised of songs with a minimalist setup and mindframe. This isn’t to say that I don’t indulge the psychedelic end of the sonic spectrum, however. “New Frontiers” marks a step in a new direction. It marks a growth artistically, and breathes a sense of brevity and urgency that is more in-tune with the actual rotation of the 21st century. It also brings back some old influences, specifically a strong celtic/world bend on a few of the tracks. Keyboards again return to this project, I did a bit less guitar work (instead trying to find ways to incorporate the concertina, harmonica, various woodwinds, and world percussion), and I spent quite a bit of time in the lyrical department. Where “Some Call Me… Tim” focused on a decade-spanning era of songwriting (and experimental aspects musically), and “Modern Idyll” pushed the envelope [for me] in the conceptual albums department, “New Frontiers” gave me a bit of freedom of expression and a much simpler (but no less rewarding, really) experience in the studio. All in all, my music [once again] speaks for itself, if you listen to it.Instrumentation:Reeds: concertina, harmonicas, organWoodwinds: wooden flute, penny whistles, pan fluteStrings: 6/12 string guitars, dulcimer, bass guitarKeys: piano, various organs/synthsPercussion: bodhran, djembe, congas, tambourine, electronic drum kit/sampler/loop station/machine