ASTRAL ENGINEERING – MUSIC FOR INSOMNIACS
Astral Engineering was Simon Rees, who produced some lovely ambient back in the mid-90s (more from previous posts here). He’s left a comment to say that he’s making available on Bandcamp an album’s worth of material which was never released in full. Some were released on Worm Interface. It’s available for free download. If you like classic 90s ambient there are some gems in here for you.
The album starts off with his classic track Drifting, which does exactly what it says on the tin. And it does it quite beautifully. This is followed by its companion piece Terminus. These need to be listened to in sequence for the full effect. Everywhere is more space whooshy than warm glow. Accentuated by some steel drums and Eastern vibes. Rongorongo is ambient ska dub and a bit too close to The Orb’s ‘wackier’ moments for comfort. Prismatic drifts along on tambourine and flute. Azoiaxic is by name and style a bit like System 7′s more out there moments. And a lovely return to inner peace after the previous track. Motueka is where the album really gets horizontal in a quite brilliant way. Singularity and Drone continue that vein. The album ends. And you are in reverie.
