VA – Ambient Spaces (Chapter 1) [DadA Music]

Title – Ambient Spaces Chapter 1
Label – DadA Music, India
Format – CD
Genre – Ambient, Chillout, Psychedelic
Release Date – May 2006
Purchase At -
http://www.dada-music.co.in/closerproduct.asp?num=10
and all leading stores around India
http://www.dada-music.co.in/

Tracklist -

1. Robert Rich – Somnium Intro (2:06)
2. Sync 24 – Wake (5:16)
3. Sattyananda – Liquid Rising (4:18)
4. Carbon Based Lifeforms – Metrostat (5:26)
5. Craig Padilla – Beyond Beta (4:22)
6. Vibrasphere – Folding Time (5:00)
7. Cell – Audio Deepest Night (7:58)
8. Hol Baumann – Send Away (5:51)
9. Mystical Sun – In The Sky (3:10)
10. Robert Rich – Somnium (6:10)
11. AES Dana – Shouting Valley (3:24)
12. True Frequencies – New Indigenous Religion (3:35)

Indian Ambient and Progressive record label “DadA Music” present “Ambient Spaces: Chapter 1”, that is compiled and gently mixed into an introspective electronic ambient odyssey by label founder and in house talent “Sattyananda”, which makes me sure that all listeners are in good hands.

The opening track “Somnium Intro” by “Robert Rich” builds up a liquid atmosphere of nonchalance with flutes that glide across waterfalls granting passage to “Sync 24”, who is producer Daniel Ringström (of the Carbon Based Lifeforms fame), “Wake” builds up with dreamy whispers and mystical effects that spin around a spacious atmosphere.

Drifting further “Sattyananda” contributes “Liquid Rising” that reflects expert electronic configurations and atmospheric surges that emits a divine and fuzzy aura. Next is the Swedish duo “Carbon Based Lifeforms” with “Metrostat” which spirals ones thoughts into percolating dimensions of artic serenity.

Flowing effortlessly into the next ambient vision by “Craig Padilla”, “Beyond Beta” is a mellow and cinematic array of floating dimensions across lush atmospheric pads. Shifting soundscapes, the famed Swedish duo “Vibrasphere” make the mood brighter with their percussion and melody driven effort “Folding Time”.

We continue drifting in space with French Producer “Alexandre Scheffer” aka “Cell” who explores melancholic vibes and floating soundscapes with a complementing trance kickdrum that creeps in slowly but steadily weaving spatial musical textures, “Audio Deepest Night” has to be my favourite track on the compilation.

I am always excited to hear Ultimae’s best kept secret “Hol Baumann”, “Send Away” is a musical smorgasbord with a distinct ethnic flavour which is surrounded by high pitched percussion with a glitchy overtone. Another highlight of the compilation!!!

Next stop Earth!!!!, “In The Sky” by “Mystical Sun” who is from San Francisco and recently released his debut album on Cyberset records, sends the listeners on a African safari ride across percussive tribal drums and primeval vocal chants.

Picking up pieces from what’s left behind “Robert Rich” makes a subtle comeback with “Somnium” which has the same atmosphere as its predecessor, albeit stretching to a full 6 minutes giving listeners a feeling of contended spiritual relaxation.

Ultimae heavyweights “AES Dana” send listeners on a pagan flight across brooding sound textures while the last track on the compilation by “True Frequencies” called “New Indigenous Religion” features extremely beautiful melodies played on the piano, a percussive atmosphere and a gentle hollow bass. The perfect way to end the compilation on a more laid back and chilled groove.

Largely beatless and relaxing “Ambient Spaces” is a very pensive, emotional and relaxing journey through a maze of atmospheric sounds that progress slowly but dynamically. “Ambient Spaces” is like a journey across different planets while taking pit stops to dive into the beauty each has to offer. All tracks are gentle, immersive and have a certain visual appeal. This is electronic ambient music at its best, the DadA crew deserves a standing ovation for taking their chances to introduce these sounds to the Indian audience and being able to make the release accessible at all major music stores around India.

Favourites – 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 12
Rating – 4.7/5