Paul Vnuk Silence Speaks in Shadows

CD / 1 track / 74.58 mins

There's ambient music, and then there's REALLY ambient music. This disc is the pinnacle for those who really want to get lost in a minimal, fascinating sound world. The theme, carried off to perfection, is to imagine yourself sitting near the window, perhaps in a downtown apartment on the 10th floor, listening to the sounds of the night below during a warm summer rain. The rain makes a beautiful backdrop to the "psycho-environmental music," a simple synth phrase that gently floats along with the rainfall. Urban sounds, from street noise to a siren (which really caught me by surprise the first time!) fill your room and you are transported to this imaginary sonic cityscape.

This is ambience in its truest form. I've never heard anything quite like it. I suppose some of Biosphere's work, blending minimal music and assorted sound samples like people talking and whatnot is in the ballpark, but Paul Vnuk's portrayal of a singular mood and place and season is quite remarkable. Though the rain is the focal point, the extra touches, from occasional thunder to the soft synths and beyond, is just right. Now you can have the refreshing, luxurious feel of a gentle summer rain out your window on a sultry day, without a cloud in the sky. The CD cover enhances the mood with its cool jet-black cover tinged with city lights. The sounds are too warm to chill - but you will. (PD)

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