Terra Ambient The Gate Play: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi   Download: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi (Excerpt from track 'Blood')

Terra Ambient is the project of American composer Jeff Kowal. For those unfamiliar with his music he creates dark otherworldly textures via the sounds of minimalistic electronics and a wide variety of acoustic global instrumentation creating a somewhat unnerving but effective electro-acoustic sonic experience.

Although having its own unique identification this music can be likened to that of the more tribal aspects of Steve Roach but with much more emphasis on the acoustic elements leaving the electronic side of things to a bare minimum. Those of you who know the more experimental side of Peter Gabriel's' soundtrack to the 'Last Temptation of Christ' some years ago will have a rough idea of what to expect here but in more laid-back and starker form.

The album runs for approximately 50 minutes and its theme remains dark and menacing throughout. So let's take a trip down into the darkest realms of subterranea.

The set opens with 'The Pilgrim's Road' and at just over 3 minutes this track is a typical example of what lies within the entire set. Beginning with a simple low drone over an array of acoustic effects the sounds of didgeridoo enter. An acoustic percussive loop is then added moving the piece towards tribal territory. At just after the minute mark a flute sound creates a menacing theme but the intensity is increased by use of additional percussive elements.

Track two, 'The Gate' starts again with a low drone. Then a flute sound enters, once again, under an assortment of acoustic percussion. At around 3 minutes a main theme, if you can call it that, is introduced. This combined with additional underlying sound currents carry the piece to its conclusion.

In contrast track 3 'Majoun' begins with acoustic mid-tempo percussives. Bell sounds are then added together with further percussive elements under a wave of dark ambient sound worlds. At 2 minutes a low flute is heard and the inclusion of occasional mid tempo percussion is added throughout the rest of the piece. At just over 7 minutes the percussive element fades under dark synth drones to its finale.

Track 4 'Sandstorm Dreaming' returns to the dark synth drone textures with the addition of distant didgeridoo effects. At 2 minutes and under a wash of sound textures a percussive loop starts, again mid tempo. Intermittent voice effects can be heard way back in the mix and briefly the percussion tapers off at the four and a half minute mark only to return shortly afterwards. This piece then builds in intensity and at around 6 minutes electric guitar textures can be heard. Then it's back to just the effects, soundscapes and percussion and eventually this disappears under voice, didgeridoo effects and surreal soundscapes.

Track 5 'Westerly Prayer' begins with a lighter and captivating drone. The sounds of flute enter the proceedings once again, creating a somewhat eastern flavour this time around. Additional acoustic guitar effects are then added while the drone gains power finally reaching its peak.

The penultimate track 6 'Serpent and Stone' begins in white noise territory under another light drone texture. Various effects, both sourced acoustically and electronically then co-inhabit the atmosphere under more percussive loops, the latter of which ends rather abruptly at around 3 minutes. It is not long before another percussion loop enters which is then joined by a kalimba/dulcimer type theme under an effective soundscape giving the piece a distinct far-eastern feel. At 7 minutes the percussion begins to fade under yet more deep sound textures and electric guitar effects.

Track 7 'Blood' begins with a menacing soundscape together with low didgeridoo effects. Guitar textures are then added continuing through the percussion loop which starts up at the 2 minute mark. Additional textures and a main theme created via the sounds of electric guitar. At just over 4 minutes distinct synth effects and didgeridoo merge eventually fading out towards its 7 minute conclusion. This is perhaps the most melodic track of the set and is a very suitable finale.