Metameme Music Reviews
Carbon Based Lifeforms - World of Sleepers ~ (Ultimae Records)
Well after the most beautifully emotional and captivating Hydroponic Garden there was no question that the follow up album would speak any less to the delicate nature of the human experience. How Daniel and Johannes create such sensual beauty in their compositions, I can't begin to understand, but I cease to be amazed at how their angelic melodies and deeply celestial textures can invoke such states of emotional memory and nostalgic wonder. After perhaps one of the most emotional ambient compositions ever created, "MOS 6581 (Album version)," my hopes were pretty high for "World of Sleepers." The mood is once again most appropriately set with Abiogenesis and Vortex, informing the listener to leave the egoic baggage behind as this journey will be an exploration of human essence. The deeply soothing and contemplative echoes of the choice samples "What about the forests?" and Set Theories' "Do you understand what I'm trying to tell you?" personify the human element well followed later by an appropriate grounding with the delicately heavy trip-hop beats developed through "Proton/Electron." The form again comfortably dissolves into the formless toward the end of the album and concludes with another emotional "bedtime story" with the hidden track following "Betula Pendula" as the nymphs lay you down to rest. Brilliant!
- Solomoon
Various Artists - Fahrenheit Project Part 6 ~ (Ultimae Records)
Is it possible for each Fahrenheit Project to consistently out due the last one? It always takes a couple of listens to really absorb the slightly different direction that each Project explores through the evolution and marriage of structured beats and limitless space. Following Fahrenheit 5 in the spirit of a beautiful and compelling opening, this time by Scann-Tec, Project 6 continues with a surreal "galactic/astral ocean" experience (as my friend referred to it) by Irukandji that breaks free of any technological boundaries the listener may inadvertently impose. The dramatic turn by the always-anticipated H.U.V.A. Network is right on time followed by the most visual-inspiring "sunny-day" uplifting melody, by of course, Sync24. The following tracks continue to push the edge between the trance and ambient relationship with an irresistible urge to slip them into a trance set one fine, sunny afternoon. And Hol Baumann out does himself this time with perhaps his most intriguing and mysterious track yet (I have yet to meet someone who doesn't like this track). A welcomed, ethnic turn in the story and seamless conclusion to the Project. (And of course, it's impossible to not constantly rediscover the previous Projects as new favorites emerge).
- Solomoon
Sync24 - Source ~ (Ultimae Records)
There's not a lot that pleases me more than an artist (or label-group of artists) that can not only explore the many facets of the trance-ambient realm, but can do so with such impeccable conviction. Magnus' Extended album was greatly appreciated and now Daniel's Source seems to follow in the same spirit through the exploration of the formless with a fine attention to structure. The album is a slow guided meditation that dips into the mysterious with "Biota" and bursts into ecstatic realization with "White Pixels." How can you capture such emotion through a non-organic impersonal medium that feels no emotion? Though that question can clearly be argued as the symbiotic relationship between man and machine here alludes the realization of artificial intelligence. Kudos, Daniel, on a most enjoyable, well rounded journey into the mind and spirit.
- Solomoon
Asura - Life2 ~ (Ultimae Records)
Finally the long awaited album by Asura. Life2 is an excellent representation of the developing sound and the evolution that the vision of, and Asura have taken over the past many years. C. Farewell has successfully illustrated this story with many leaps in sophistication. Covering just about every aspect I'd like to hear on a comprehensive trance-ambient journey, he moves through the ethnic, tribal, mystical, mythical, blissful, playful, and transformational realms with seamless ease. From elements that inspire deep introspection and reflection, to those that insist movement of the body and beg to see daytime dance floors be it trance or trip-hop the cohesiveness of the elements shines through. As the newest release, it sees constant repeat plays, and undoubtedly converts new listeners. Only and unceasingly Ultimae seems to transcend and explore all aspects of the trance-ambient experience so successfully.
- Solomoon
Solar Fields - EarthShine ~ (Ultimae Records)
Finally, the 5th album from Magnus' Solar Fields project. First I must say that sampling the album prior to release did not do this work justice. The many layers, moods, and secrets of the Earth--shine only upon a full listen as a complete composition, beginning to end. Stepping fully into the realm of progressive trance, Magnus distinguishes himself by applying his ambient mastery with precise attention to complimentary layers, drifting melodies, and vast atmospheres that float above his strong, pulsing rhythms. Multiple occurrences of big, uplifting climaxes like "Black Arrow" dive in an out of extended, sustained daydreams like "Brainbow" for a well-rounded sunshine excursion through introspective bliss and collective celebration. Some tracks like "Spectral Nation" and "Cruise" hold that beautiful combination of wobbly bass lines and light-hearted melodies reminiscent of Matenda's classic "Energy Loader" album. This is sufficient proof that Solar Fields need not follow in the steps of every other progressive artist to offer a work well received in the movement of the body and mind. Without a doubt this album is made for the soft earthen dance floors that lie beneath a broad blue sky amongst a sea of smiles.
- Solomoon
Various Artists - Oxycanta: Winter Blooms ~ (Ultimae Records)
A sequel with multiple surprises, Winter Blooms is a strong representation of the broad range of sounds that Ultimae artists can float through effortlessly as the label continues to navigate new areas of organic sound-texture. How nice to see Mahiane's name included in the track listing this time around. Beginning with subtle observations of the sound of plants growing (picking up from the first album of this series), this one could be said to encompass an even wider range of nature's delicate lifeforms as this compilation was unexpectedly more dynamic than the first. The seamless progression from minimal states of ambience is, this time, not only cultivated by Mahiane, but even contains two of her well-placed interludes through this evolving, winter sound garden. Heavy rhythms seep in offering a balance to the soft blooms with Malik Trey's "Sleepy Shadow" giving way to Aes Dana's "Nexus" which I swear could be a beautiful parallel universe version of his "Kalaallit Nunaat" collaboration with Nova, off of Albedo.
"Thyrse" might depict a stroll through the snow alongside a fresh, snow-melt stream that trickles through the landscape bubbling into movement with Sgnal Fltr's highly welcomed and danceable addition. The well-composed journey slowly sifts back down through layers of pollen and icy sediment for a proper landing back onto the moist earth. Offering an audible reconnection to nature in the midst of winter, this is a very satisfying sequel. Looking forward to, perhaps, a full length track by Mahiane on the next one...
- Solomoon
Hol Bauman - Human ~ (Ultimae Records)
It was obvious that whatever Hol Baumann finally unleashed with his extremely long awaited debut album, that it would not disappoint. What wasn't known is exactly what to expect due to his relatively diverse range of previous single releases. What was hoped for was some form of continuation of ethnic influence and deeply strong trip hop beats. From track 1 on the album, Hol Baumann not only delivers effectively, but well beyond expectation. This release really becomes a journey that pushes into new territory surpassing a mere fusion of ambient and trip hop into a realm of elegant structure, and dramatically mysterious melodies. Hol Bauman's attention to breathing space and timing could be one of his greatest gifts. The album probably wouldn't have been complete without including "Radio Bombay," and offering a remix of "Benares" was a welcomed surprise. "One Step Beyond" certainly is, with a sexy mysteriousness that makes it, without a doubt, one of the album's highlights. With just the right touch of vocal accompaniment, instrumentation, plenty of space within the structure to move, and slamming kicks with driving basslines that disturb any resistant state of inertia, Human does a superb job of reminding you how wonderful it is to be one.
- Solomoon
I Awake- The Core ~ (Ultimae Records)
It is almost as though the Birth EP , which successfully sparked my curiosity, was a preview for the upcoming album as all three tracks reappear on The Core , though the album version of "New Time Nomads" explores a bit of a softer approach appropriate for The Core's overall cohesion. The album begins with a gentle fusion allowing nature's creatures to speak through the electronic landscape comforting you in the idea that you are not the first to take this inevitable journey within. The rhythms develop slowly and organically, providing just enough structure to keep you flowing in a forward direction with a progression that reassures you that the beats are not the story, they are merely the signposts guiding you. Layers of melodies and textures create an abstract language that leaves enough space for the translation to become an individualized reflection of the perceiver--seemingly the point. The sparsely and carefully placed vocals allude to the undeniable human element helping to ground this peaceful, introspective journey. This experience is not one of resistance, but one of complete surrender and tranquility as it leads you deep inside your being. The track titles nearly correspond to different levels of consciousness and awareness that are faced as you slip deeper toward the core. "Journey" adds a beautifully unexpected bit of mystery to the passage followed by the emotional vocals of Krister Linder and "Reflecting Impulses" represents the cognitive processing taking place as you finally reach the core now with the understanding that all is, in fact, "One."
- Solomoon
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