Craig Padilla & Skip Murphy Temporal Suspension

CDR / 3 tracks / 58.59 mins

Craig Padilla and frequent collaborator Skip Murphy alternate between sequencer-driven melodic EM and more ambient fare. This falls into the latter category, though it is lighter and less static than most ambient. Even in these longer form musical works, Padilla and Murphy have a good sense of melody, and know how to keep things moving. All three numbers are about 20 minutes each, beginning with the title track. A slowly pulsing electronic gong echoes throughout the piece, never completely escaping attention as it becomes complemented by a variety of soothing synth treatments. Lightly repeating musical phrases come and go effortlessly.

The effect is very relaxing, and not at all dark, but not at all new age, either. It doesn't directly compare to any particular electronic artist or album that comes to mind. Instead, it fits neatly into its own comfortable niche of floating space. 'Last Chants' is augmented nicely by soft female chanting that never detracts from the electronics. This is a really mellow piece, more so than the other two. The deep space journey concludes with 'Galaxy Extension.' After several minutes of ambience, some really nice sequences gently roll up and down. Male choirs add a touch of Schulze. Though it seems like it might develop into something more active, it remains fairly laid back, with a punchy rhythmic pattern like Schulze's track 'Totem.' It exudes the same type of cool as the 1973 classic, just finding a relaxed sonic space and staying in a groove, fully exploring it. This is a great disc to kick back and chill out to. (PD)

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