I can see that mischievous light in Dave Dale's eyes as 'Out Of Control' lifts off with a passionate driving acoustic guitar followed by a sexy thumping groove. A deep 'OM' drones out of both speakers but soon cascades into a catchy punchy electric guitar riff. A nasty groove is in full force long before the vocals enter, "Ego... Out of control, Ego... Out of control". The songs dynamics are worth noting as it opens into a soft keyboard electronica break where Nadaji teases us with a sensual chant of "Ganesha" before returning full force to the main driving riff. This track epitomizes what will unfold throughout the CD with catchy, dynamic, uncommon twists and turns and the same creative groove flow that Dave's production contributed to Donna DeLory's CD, 'The Lover and The Beloved'.

'Save The World' is a modern retro rocker with a contagious hook, "Listen to your heart. It'll save the world for you." 
The journey continues with a guest appearance by rhythmic spoken word artist IN-Q on 'Back Down To Earth', then in a world rife with theological aggressions, Dave Dale inquires on 'Drivin' in my Car' "Which heaven do I go to?" This is a protest-unprotest song of the highest order with guest percussionist Hani Naser. 
Topanga singer-songwriters Wendy Smith and Abba Roland's sensual vocals weave, tease and slap throughout 'City Of Angels' and enhance the mix of soulful rhythmic acoustic ambience and innovative high tech dance pop on 'Your Light', 'Only Child', 'Main St' and 'There's A Time'. 
I can hear 'Our Love' lifting out of someone's iMachine in Tokyo 2050, a timeless song full of ache and celebration.

This is music to bring you up, not down.

Topangan Ellen South describes "Time Starts Now" as a "Commitment to creativity. I've listened to it loads of times and never get tired of it. It's visual and sensual, combining the healing of Topanga with the edginess of the UK. This is a multi-layered work that is as fresh as it is satisfying."

Dave Dale's music has an unpretentious edginess about it that dodges the new age and steps with human quirkiness into fun, love, now!

-Reviewed by Rick Ellis
                            Read more...