Stream by Dan Abrams

Dan Abrams has some offbeat ideas about music.  He has released CD's on the 12K label as Shuttle 358.  "Stream" is his first release under his given name.  It is on the Mille Plateau label. The CD is a triumph in the computerized ambience arena.  There is a distinct structure to the arrangements of computerized noise.  It also has definite and positive musical integrity.  Unlike many albums of this ilk, "Stream" defines itself and its own niche.  The entire project has a human feel to it.  The recording captures random snippets from Dan's repertoire and plays them back as samples.  The structure of the program defines the human element.  The overriding essence is dark minimalism.  That quality requires a human touch! Reviewed by Jim Brenholts

A Monument of Chance by Seofon and Thermal

"A Monument of Chance" is an eclectic collaboration between Seofon and Thermal, both members of the San Francisco association of musicians known as The Archipelago.  Seofon is also a member of Ambient Temple of I-Magination.  Thermal is a frequent contributor to ATOI.  The merger of Seofon's sound design skills and Thermal's intuitive creativity gives listeners a dense and organic soundscape.  Like most ATOI efforts, this plays like it belongs in the chill out rooms.  But it does have a greater purpose and destiny. This CD stands proudly with the best efforts of the modern minimalists and master electronicians.  The experiMENTAL overtones create an aura of mystery.  The electronic manipulations create the organics. Always bordering - but never crossing over to - the avante garde, Seofon walks that fine line skillfully.  Thermal's contributions add some zest to the art.  This CD is an obscure winner! Reviewed by Jim Brenholts

End of Days by Darshan Ambient

Michael Allison began his recording career under the pseudonym of Darshan.  To avoid confusion with a similarly named musician, he changed it to Darshan Ambient.  (It can be fairly confusing.) There is no confusion about "The End of Days."  Gentle pastoral minimalism is the order of the day and Michael delivers it with style and grace.  The sound design is expansive and drifting.  There is no hidden agenda within the soothing melody.  Michael urges listeners to sit back and go with the flow.  The organics come from his heart and soul.  There are no samples.  This is a cool disc for lazy days. Reviewed by Jim Brenholts

Autumn Light by Darshan Ambient

"Autumn Light" is Michael Allison's second CD.  He records under the nom de plume, Darshan Ambient.  He is not trying to fool anybody.  This is straightforward electronic minimalism with one purpose.  The music is designed for relaxation and meditation.  Michael's soundscapes are gentle pastorales that evolve and dissolve constantly.  He uses no samples to achieve this affect.  Much like the classical masters, he creates the moods only with instrumentation and technique.  He is a master synthesist and a studio wizard. This disc is a sleeper and a keeper. Reviewed by Jim Brenholts

Darshan Ambient by Darshan Ambient

Michael Allison's third CD is titled "Darshan Ambient."  That is also his recording alias.  It is somewhat odd that he would release his third effort as a self-titled album.  Then again, this genre is anything but mainstream and normal.  That being stated, there are expectations.  This CD is exactly what listeners expect from Michael.  The atmospheres are expansive; the minimalism is pure; the ambience is austere.  There are no sampled enhancements.  There are no hidden meanings.  There is plenty of relaxation. That is Michael's forte.  By staying within his self-defined boundaries, he achieves holistic balance. Reviewed by Jim Brenholts

Zen Breakfast by Karunesh Visit Real Music's website

In the legend of Zen archery, when the archer is one with the target, the arrow flies true.  According to Karunesh, in the liner notes of "Zen Breakfast," "When you become at peace with your world, you become the target." This new age masterpiece begins with a tale of a wise elder pouring tea for a student.  The elder continues to pour after the cup is full.  Upon observing this, the student asks, "Why do you keep pouring when my cup (is) full?"  The sage answers, "Why keep asking questions when your head is full?" That is typical of a sage and a teacher.  They answer questions with questions and students are forced to answer themselves.  That is the truest and surest way to learn completely and holistically. "Zen Breakfast" asks many questions, both to seek knowledge and to deliver responses.  The primary and primordial responses are the perfect balance among three distinct musical genres.  Karunesh embraces all that is worthy in true new age fashion.  This disc has positive elements of classical, world and healing music.  the balance creates a vast spiritual and emotional soundscape.  Love oozes from every note! The liner notes state it best: " 'Zen Breakfast' is sacred music from far off visionary places that touch the heart ever so close to home." Reviewed by Jim Brenholts

Wise-Ta-Nech (pre-European Africa) by Vampire Nation

Fredrik von Hamilton records as Vampire Nation.  I am predisposed to like his music because he is a rarity - an electronician from Pittsburgh, my hometown. "Wise-Ta-Nech (pre-European Africa".  It is a musical yarn based loosely on the explorations of Christopher Columbus and his quest for "spears tipped with gold."  The CD is loaded with atmospheres and rhythms.  It is similar to the "nu" ambient from the chill rooms and it has some elements of trip hop.  The atmospheres are vast and the rhythms are frantic.  Fredrik compliments that frenzy with some gentle acoustic piano passages and a deep bass drone. The entire package comes across as surprisingly appealing.  Fredrik is onto something here.  He needs to refine and define it. Reviewed by Jim Brenholts

Transform by alva.noto

"Transform" is a CD of experimental e-music from alva.noto, nee Carsten Nicolai.  The dissonance on this disc is programmed rather than sequenced.  Carsten's mathematical editing gives precise rhythms to the compositions. The computerized beeps, clicks and glitches are the essential elements of the set.  They are not mere ornaments.  The progression and programming have unprecedented depth for this style of music.  The press release accompanying this disc describes Carsten having applied those techniques to hip-hop and R & B.  There is some evidence of that.  The release also states that Carsten takes experimentation one step beyond.  There is much evidence to support that claim! Reviewed by Jim Brenholts

Planetary House Nation by Ambient Temple of I-Magination

"Planetary House Nation" is volume five in the "Mystery School " series from Ambient Temple of I-Magination.  They recorded it live at the fifth anniversary of The Gathering Winter Solstice Yule Celebration on December 21, 1996.  ATOI has been part of a loose fellowship of bay area musicians known as The Archipelago.  Indeed, Seofon contributed to their set on the Foundry label.  Many of those artists contributed to this project as well. This is definitely a strange set!  The soundscape is dense and foggy with organic and experimental elements.  The organics, mainly from Stephen Kent's didg and Thermal's e-bow, compliment the electronics of Seofon and Richard Sun. The liner notes are bizarre, poignant and hilarious.  With ATOI, reading between the lines is both essential and improbable.  The hidden meanings are subtle and overt.  The humor is sophisticated and crude. In short, this is a CD of unlikely juxtapositions.  It is also a classic! Reviewed by Jim Brenholts

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