Vidna Obmana
The Surreal Sanctuary
The press information for this CD refers to Vidna Obmana's musical maturation, and it is evident from the first notes that this is the case. At times disturbing, but fascinatingly complex, Vidna Obmana really comes into his own with this uncompromising work. Some may find the end result unsettling, but there is a sure-handedness to the project that is unmistakable. His penchant for electronic treatment of sounds is in full force here, taking samples of such varied sources as double-bass, guitars, small fujara, double harmonica, and two-voice overtone singing, courtesy of the extremely talented Jim Cole, whose 'Coalescence' CD was extremely well received for its ability to use vocals as space music.

I found this CD a bit challenging the first couple of listens. It is sombre and dark. Vidna Obmana readily admits it is a contrast to the "brighter open spaces" of some of his prior solo releases. 'The First Coil', for example, does have Vidna's trademark brooding atmospherics. However, the other instrumentation, which I assume is the small fujara, though vaguely flute-like, is more dissonant and slightly shrill. The effect is somewhat unsettling, but probably intended. The textures here are unbelievably rich, remarkably fluent given the sometimes unbalanced sonic landscape. But fear not, if you prefer to lose yourself in drifting ambient reverie, cue up any of the lengthier tracks, such as 'The Profound Isolates'. I have no idea what a double harmonica is, and I wouldn't expect it to sound ambient, but after Vidna's sonic manipulations it most definitely is. Long, slow washes of sound build up, crest, and fade, in a very slow yet rhythmic fashion. It is haunting, but incredibly soothing and strangely beautiful. The pinnacle for me is 'The Fragmented Dome', 18-minutes of softly flowing ambient electric guitars. Surprisingly, Steve Roach contributed this sound source. I was not aware that he had recorded any guitar music. This piece is comparable to Obmana and Roach's best work, from 'Well of Souls' and 'Ascension of Shadows'.

The Surreal Sanctuary is a signature work from one of ambient's signature artists. (PD)

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