SHADES OF ORION 2 (WITH TETSU INOUE)

Pete Namlook is an influential figure in electronica, although taking into consideration that its a style of music I have not yet dove into, it's understandable why I may not have heard his work before this. In collaboration with Japanese ambient composer Tetsu Inoue, he created the 'Shades of Orion' series, a trilogy that would see his music retreat from its house- oriented leanings into the depths of cosmic space. 'Shades of Orion II' is not so much a development from the first in the series as it is a continuation of it; pursuing the same avenue of total ambiance. Granted, at over an hour, Namlook and Inoue's space collaboration overstays its welcome, but there is a subtle sense of composition to this work that sets it aside from being merely quiet noise.

'Shades of Orion II' is a continuous, 71 minute exploration of sound which seeks to mimic what it must be like being alone in space, light years away from sunlight or the latest Top 40 pop single. As one might expect from the 'space music' label, 'Shades of Orion' is an incredibly sparse sounding recording, void of melody and hooks of any kind. Even structure feels alien to this music; when subtle changes occur once every few minutes, it's difficult to discern some sense of composition or writing in what this duo have done. There are recurring ideas in the textures, but the way this music is meant to be appreciated is by laying down and simply letting yourself drift off into it. A listening experience on autopilot, if you will.

The sounds here revolve around spacey 'beeps' and the sort of chatter that cosmic entities might have with one another. Although the sounds may be completely benign, they lend a vast atmosphere that makes it an easy album to get lost in. Although very little may be said about composition on 'Shades of Orion II', it makes for a subdued thrill when a new sound actually does show up in the mix, although these changes are painfully few and far between. At seventy one minutes long, this is not an album to sit down and focus in on without pause. Under best conditions, it's an album best listened to someplace dark, with a comfortable bed, and impending sleep preferable. For its style and what it aims to accomplish, 'Shades of Orion II' is an incredibly atmospheric chill-out, although anyone looking for an even slightly eventful musical experience might find themselves bored to death.

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