James Johnson Entering Twilight

This is perhaps the most minimal Hypnos release yet, rivalled only by Rod Modell and Michael Mantra's ultra ambient 'Sonic Continuum' CD. It is almost unquestionably the most beautiful CD to come from the label. Appropriately being compared to minimal ambient works by Brian Eno, this is the ultimate for fans of relaxing ambience. 'Entering Twilight' is elegant without being new age, ambient without wallowing in the depths of darkness. The music simply exists in a soothing, pleasant space, floating delicately over its 66 ½ minute journey seemingly without care, aimlessly moving yet deliberately pulling you into its peaceful sonic world. It's likely a place you won't soon want to leave.

The music is wrapped around deceptively simple themes which slowly circle around and back in again. It is a musical paradox, because it seems to go nowhere, yet transports you to wherever you want to go. It is difficult to pinpoint just how much the music evolves or repeats. It certainly isn't just a tape loop on infinite repeat, but the changes are subtle. Soft, tinkling bells and cascading flows of long synthesizer pads seem alive with colour, literally breathing in and out as they go. Occasionally the sounds seem almost human, as a siren song beckoning, but they never completely coalesce. Throughout, there is a shimmering brightness to the musical proceedings. Though called 'Entering Twilight,' it could just as easily grace a planetarium as it could a sunrise or sunset. Recline, reflect, and relax. (PD)

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