There was a time when I was deep into Ambient–thanks to an introduction to the genre via Future Sound of London, Aphex Twin, Thom Brennan, and Robert Rich–but had drifted away from the genre in the past years for one reason or another. Recently, I picked up Stars of the Lid on a complete lark, partly because of the positive word of mouth and partly because I was thirsty for something new and and Their Refinement of the Decline deserves the praise that it is receiving as well as more than quenched my thirst for new sounds while renewing my interest in Ambient.
Reviewing Ambient albums is a challenge. What do you focus on? Most of the work in the genre is slow building and often very abstract with tempos measured in minutes and key changes that occur almost imperceptibly. Pieces are designed around textures and moods with the aim of conveying a particular state of mind. While most Ambient works are developed using purely electronic means, and Their Refinement of the Decline is built upon symphonic instrumentation there is the use of a brass section, soft strings, and even some choral fragments all of which lend it a warm human quality and is reminiscent of the more exotic leaning Temple Of The Invisible which made heavy use of human performed instruments.
Much of the album drifts by like a soundtrack for a non-existent film (”Apreludes (in C sharp major)” has every feeling of dropped into the middle of a planetarium show). It is lush and unobtrusive and is best listened to when your mind is calm and when you have two hours free to be gently carried from beginning to end. This is a perfect example of headphone music as the work envelopes you, softly wrapping threads of sound that caress and coax. Throw it on your favorite player and take a walk outside, rain or shine, woods or scrap yard, it doesn’tt matter as the album will provide a theme for almost any environment.
You can sample some the album over at their Myspace page, including “Apreludes (in C sharp major)” which has an accompanying video. Beautiful and highly recommend.
Fanfare Ciocarlia are new to me and I’m left scratching my head wonder why in the hell I have not heard of this band before. They are billed as a Romanian Gypsy Brass Band but their music has wider roots that tap into many different cultures from Turkey, Macedonia, Bulgaria, and even hint at elements of Bollywood and pop standards from the US. To date they have released five albums all of which make use of blistering horn lines and tricky rhythms. 