'Port Of Embarkation' is the culmination of five years work from the duo of songwriter/producer James Durham and singer Danan Healy. Both are classically trained but whilst Durham's forte has been the violin the songs in Aeolian May's repertoire revolve around his composing skills with synthesizers. This is a low budget, self-produced album and sometimes it shows, the intro to 'Go Away', for example, is teeth-grindingly cheesy. Healy also over-sings the conclusion to 'Blue Sky' to ear-piercing effect. These quibbles aside, though, their brand of new-age influenced pop is pretty decent. Generally the melodies are memorable, like 'Revolution' which gradually grows in urgency via a guitar hook from Matt Ellison and Healy's ever more powerful vocals. In fact Healy proves to be the star of the show a number of times, putting in spirited and gutsy performances into 'Virtual Woman' and the title track; her self-penned 'Hotel Room' is another highlight. With the benefit of better studio facilities, Aeolian May's blend of light pop and strong ballads could yet enrapture a wider audience.