Pete Namlook & Geir Jenssen
The Fires of Ork 2
'In Heaven' opens with repetitive motifs which form a deliberate and laid back structure. It builds slowly, then the 3 min mark heralds a voice samples extolling the virtues of heaven, with the odd expletive thrown in the good measure. Calming choral vox form a relaxing background, and overall this is 10 minutes to drift by. 'When The Night Was Black' is totally subliminal, with the merest hint of electronics playing second fiddle to a whispered monologue. In common with all the tracks it lasts for around 10 minutes giving plenty of time to get "into the mood".

'Sky Lounge' confirms that this is an album destined not to compromise its total dedication to pure ambience. Strange reverse synth effects open the piece, then at the two and a half minute mark a slow lilting rhythm appears over which guitar style effects meander. Track 4 'A Way To Focus The Mind' is a very apt title to find on this album, because for many this will serve as the perfect mood music to fulfil this goal. More voice samples, almost Einstein-ian in nature, are again backed by the subtlest of soundscapes, not one note daring to place its head above the sonic parapet for fear of getting noticed.

And as if the credentials of this album weren't enough, the final piece 'Nouvelles Machines' serves up 3 minutes of the weirdest sounds you'll here for a while before an equally obtuse "rhythm" enters to provide some sort of structure, which comes and goes punctuated by strange interludes.

This 'aint "Chill", it's "Deep Freeze". Some will be bowled over by this, if you like the sort of music to switch off the lights and drift to there are few more effective vehicles to be found than this. (GG)

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