AMBIENT EARTH

I will do the decent thing and post a review (as Bob suggests...). And this debut album is worth listening to and spending some time to write a review. However, I have to warn the reader of my little knowledge and connection to electronic music (which this album entirely consists of).

As far as progressive electronic is concerned, I have to admit that the resemblance between this album with complex progressive arrangements and variety of instruments is minimal. This does not mean that the sound is always 'flat' and uninteresting as there are several moments that the melodies are more than pleasing to the ear. The majority of the record is based on a (mostly repetitive) synth background with drum machine sounds - a clear disadvantage to the final outcome.

Influences from artists like Jean-Michelle Jarre and Mike Oldfield are obvious but add to the quality of the album. I found myself enjoying the more epic moments (i.e. Atlantis rises from the waves) where powerful keyboard lines are dominant and 'dreamy'/ambient intervals in tracks like Dreaming in Distant Worlds. There are also tracks based entirely on dark or tribal rhythms (i.e. Descent into the inferno, Tenochitlan, Where the river runs black) that give a different 'spice' to what the artist is trying to achieve with this debut. Spinning Binary Systems has a 'Vangelis' feeling that runs through a few tracks while Ozric Tentacles-like arrangements can be heard in City of a Thousand Lights. The impressive use of electric guitar in Eclipse clearly shows the technical abilities of Scott Mosher and makes this track a highlight.

If you have not already understood by now, it is quite complex for me to compile my thoughts over this debut that shows a high potential but generally does not impress. Clearly the length of the album is on the 'cons' side along with the 'empty' sound of the drum machine. On the 'pros', a few innovative ideas and a well-established ambient feeling that makes the album a - at least - pleasant experience.

Decent debut from an artist that makes you expect more. Fans of electronic music might appreciate this album more than I did...