Soil Festivities

This 1984 release was the first in what could be very loosely said to belong to a trilogy of his 1980s albums, the other two being Invisible Connections and Mask, both from the following year (1985). It is a concept album which derived inspiration from the natural elements, life processes taking place on the Earth's surface and beneath our feet.[1]

He recalls that it "was made because I wanted to make music, not sell a million records. I don’t think it’s possible to guarantee commercial success for an album anyway, because nobody really knows what is commercial and what isn’t. Even if I went out of my way to make an album that was more accessible to the public, that would not guarantee its commercial success".[2]

The album cover art features the rear view of a great diving beetle.

The album reached #55 position in the UK album charts,[3] and #45 position in the Netherlands album charts in 1984.[4]

Vangelis uses exotic synth-harmonies, creative percussion and melody-lines, as well as rare use of double bass plucking sounds.[5]

The first movement is accompanied by storm and rain-effects, and on top of this is loose improvisational skills to probably indicate the many forms of life springing into existence. The second movement has tune-like quality, and is the most tranquil piece, in contrast to the next three which are darker in atmosphere.[5]

The third movement shows the violent side of nature, indicating the struggle to survive, whilst the fourth movement is more contemplative and a bit gloomy, perhaps indicating slowed-down nightlife activity.[5]

The fifth movement is a wonderfully loose piece of improvisation, going through many moods and tempos before setting up an emotional conclusion to the life.[5]

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	[6]

Jim Brenholts of Allmusic notes that Vangelis "surrounds a subtle drone with heavy sequences and dense atmospheres. He uses a symphonic synth to create pastoral textures", and that it "is a very accessible album".[6]

All songs composed by Vangelis.

1. "Movement 1" – 18:20
2. "Movement 2" – 6:20
3. "Movement 3" – 6:06
4. "Movement 4" – 9:54
5. "Movement 5" – 7:20

• Vangelis – keyboards and composer

Production

• Vangelis – producer, arranger
• Jess Sutcliffe – engineer
• Vangelis, Alwyn Clayden – design

• Soil Festivities at Vangelis Collector