What is ambient music? A difficult question to answer, but at least we can be sure that Autechre makes it. The "songs" on this CD are collections of electronic/synthesizer sounds loosely tied together by vaguely drum'n bass-like patterns. The sound is very spacious; sometimes loose melody lines interact but they are sparse, touching the fringes of the void in which the listener is floating. Sometimes the music stops a few seconds, leaving you wondering, and then suddenly you hear a colourful spectrum of rounded soundscapes, flowing in and out of the rhythm, only to be left alone at the next break. It is quite a powerful kind of music and it's a feat to sit through the 77 minutes and 50 seconds this CD counts. It has a very depressing quality, the overall atmosphere is one of desolation and loneliness. The saddening first track "Kalpol Introl", only a few synth lines and a little bit of bass, flows out into "Bike", something which could perhaps be called a song. A song with little high tones placed in a context of wandering basslines with a pulsating rhythm. It effectively shows how little life actually is.

Despite the word "ambient" this is by no means easy listening, if you're willing to dive into something like this. Not recommended if you can't stand being alone, or you will be lost.

© 2000 dwaallicht