Robert Rich Inner Landscapes Please go to the Store to buy this item.

One track that is split into eight parts and not a rhythm or sequence to be heard almost certainly means we are deep into traditional Ambient territory. What’s more its by far my favourite Robert Rich album ever. This is a live recording from 1985. It was first released, I think on cassette only, by the Freeman brothers in 1987 though what we have here is presented in different form with some of the weaker material removed and restructured crossfades. The transition from the first to second part is particularly impressive with some deep. almost moaning, effects carrying through to the second part and giving it an almost hellish feel. The lead sound could almost be a long scream. I wish I could have been to one of these early concerts, the atmosphere must have been amazing. I am rather getting ahead of myself however as the first track is no slouch either starting off with insect noises and the most delightful shimmering and yet deep, dark drones. I know I keep banging on about sounds but to me it is the unique sound possibilities that ultimately distinguishes music created electronically from more conventional instruments. The sounds used here are just spellbinding. Certainly not of this world and if of the next I would think that we are in the fiery caverns rather than up in the clouds. The lonesome wind sound on the third part makes you think of some great loss, like a dawn of devastation.

Part four is a more cosmic affair, well out in deep space, the last three minutes being particularly effective. Part five becomes very sparse, the wind sounds returning but in this new setting they sound even more despairing than before, almost animal in nature at times. Part five is by far the shortest section but in just two minutes images of fast underground caverns are sculptured. Part seven caries on with these images, the sound again being sparse but every little details seems to be essential in conjuring up the overall picture. At three minutes the mood changes and it is as if we are looking up a shaft as clouds rush by and a storm builds. By the time this part ends and the next begins we return to spooky cosmic realms which is where we stay until the end. If you liked Steve Roach’s ‘Magnificent Void’ or Lightwave’s ‘Mundus Subterraneus’ then this album will be essential to you. Probably even better than the two albums mentioned and as any dedicated dark ambient fan will tell you that is very high praise indeed. (DL)

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