Various Artists
Soundscape Gallery 3
The best track on the album is an otherwise unavailable piece by Ron Boots (lasting almost eight minutes). It is subtly rhythmic in modern ambient fashion. The drum sound is rather wonderful as is the beat itself. The floating cosmic backdrop is also just perfect. When it arrives the melody is first rate. Half way in the rhythm is cranked up and the track becomes rather dynamic. It does however give a rather false impression as to what the rest of the album is like. The ‘Soundscape Gallery’ series has been a show-case for some of the best space music and Steve Roach like ambient music around and this volume is no exception. The Ron Boots track therefore seems somewhat out of place but so what - quality is quality.

‘Carnickel and Pocketboat’ by Roedelius and Tim Story is tranquil and piano based, ideal for just chilling out to. ‘Timepool’ by Tempus Perdu is a fine example of drifting synth drones slowly mutating and drifting over each other causing a meditative effect. There is some slight rhythmic detail but it is so low in the mix that it mainly just provides intrigue and focuses the attention. ‘After by Darkwater’ by Loren Nerell as the title suggests is a much darker affair. Thick synth drones and the sound of strange creatures moving around in the depths make this a tremendously descriptive and atmospheric piece - great creepy stuff.

‘Just Outside of Black Rock City’ by Dean De Bendictis uses gentle echoing notes to conjure up images of circles slowly spreading on an otherwise mirror like pond. The metallic note droplets become more prominent then a restrained sequence again sounding full of echo acts like the sunlight being refracted into rainbows in the mist above the water. Another superbly atmospheric track. Too much happening for it to be described as ambient but a lovely piece that still fitted in with the mood of the album. ‘Poppies for Irene’ (!) by Tim Story & Dwight Ashley is a traditional ambient type floater, very peaceful.

‘If all was Clear' by Stratosphere uses synthetic plucked strings to provide a melody that can just be heard amongst the swirl of synth drones. Next up is a solo track by Dwight Ashley. ‘Denial’ is very spooky with the sound of the wind blowing through deserted buildings and clattering objects still hanging from the walls of long deserted houses, those are the images it creates for me anyway. Great stuff. Last up we have Thomas Ronkin with his track ‘A Lovely Drowning’. Again we are in traditional ambient mode, the mood being extremely melancholy. Its all very floating but with loads of changes.

Recommended for fans of trad ambient music or Ron Boots. (DL)

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