ALMAGEST

After much buzz about this album (and one especially enthusiastic recommendation) I decided I had to check this out. I may not be a big fan of ambient music, but there is some that I enjoy. Unfortunately, this is not one of those cases.

The first two tracks hold some promise, and I do find them enjoyable. However they don't offer much more than that. By the third track, my mind starts to wander off, and I have to remind myself that I am supposed to be listening. Near the end of "Low Mass Stars," there is a speech about national boundaries not being visible from space. This gives the impression that they may be leading up to something (perhaps a concept?). Near the beginning of "Spirit of the Water," there is a sci-fi style recitation about corporate control of water. Given that any hope of a concept is ended there, these inclusions are almost laughable. The rest of the music is very similar, and does not peak any further interest.

If this is your type of thing, then go for it. It is well crafted. For me, it is so dull that I can't play it all the way through in one sitting.

H.T. Riekels