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 | Various Artists:Amplexus (Projekt - 1995) This essential little gem compiles a work apiece from Vidna Obmana, Thom Brennan and Steve Roach. The tracks were originally released as limited edition 3" CDs by Italy's Amplexus label. Only 3 tracks here, but each is about 20 minutes in length. Thematically, they mesh very nicely. |
| For anyone into lush, floating, tribal atmospheres, I highly recommend this disc; particularly for the ambient newcomer, this collection would be a great introduction to these distinguished artists.
Belgian Vidna Obmana opens this set with The Transcending Quest. Built of floating waves of sound and primitive, methodical drumbeats, this piece seems strikingly similar to his work on Echoing Delight. In fact, it initially seems almost identical to those wondrous tracks. As it evolves though, it follows a few different forks in the trail... the beats drop out completely while the air resonates with phantasmic ripples, heavy rumbles and cricket chirps. These sounds coalesce and grow, eventually being joined by played bells and occasional gongs. A wonderfully exotic excursion. Though his name may not be as "big" as cohorts Obmana and Roach, Thom Brennan has definitely got the sound (apparently with a little help from Roach). The Path Not Taken features a backdrop of steadily pounding, ethnic-sounding percussion over which several layers of synth waft and wane like swirling clouds. The whole piece is evocative of traveling through vast outdoor expanses; arid deserts, steamy jungles or mountainous ranges...this beautiful Path can take you there... a favorite of mine! Appropriately titled, The Dreamer Descends is Steve Roach's contribution. A fascinating blend of primitive instrumentation and modern electronics, the track is indeed nocturnal and surreal, travelling downward into a deep, subterranean fantasyland. The intermittent drumbeats and occasional flutes are of an ancient nature, accompanying the swells of synthesizer. Sometimes the synth floats and other times it dives, alternately wailing and growling. Assorted arcane instruments add delicious accents. Things take a turn into a more symphonic, percussive region where the synth tones are drawn out like a string section, and the rhythm quickens in the sparklingly dark air. Everything lowers to a hush and many quiet sounds can barely be discerned here, before all fades into silence. Another sublime sound experience from Mr. Roach.
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| While Projekt is known for their Gothic material, the Amplexus comp originates from an entirely different sonic region. You too, can dwell in this unknowable realm for one enchanting hour (or just hit the "Repeat" button and stay here as long as you like!). Two thumbs up for this triad. |  |
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