The artistic architecture of Antonio Gaudi inspired Gaudi, by Robert Rich. He finds a "subtle geometry" in the organicity of Gaudi's work. Music uses vibrations over time to express the spirit of humanity. Architecture evokes similar reactions -- both sublime and nameless -- through use of matter and space. Rich approaches his compositional style on a level that can be difficult to understand. Certainly, non-musicians will have difficulty grasping the structure and the concept of intonation. However, one does not have to know how to build a watch in order to tell time. Moreover, listeners do not have to understand the technical details in order to relate to Rich's emotional and spiritual strength and message. This, like all of his CDs, is an important musical statement. It stands on its own merits.

Robin Guthrie and Harold Budd go back to 1986, specifically The Moon and the Melodies, a collaboration between the Cocteau Twins and the pianist. During the spring of 2006, they recorded together again for five days, resulting in the synchronously released After the Night Falls and Before the Day Breaks. The instrumental pieces are as gorgeous and expansive and percussion is almost entirely absent, with the exception of an elusive pulse and some very distant snare rolls.

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Trancefer is an excellent demonstration of what a musical genius can do with analog equipment and cutting edge techniques. Klaus Schulze recorded this masterpiece in 81, just before the advent of the digital age. This disc still holds merit in the new millennium, some 20 years later. With metallic textures and cold timbres, Schulze has constructed a massive soundscape with no holes. His subtle atmospheres play well against his deep sequences. This is essential Schulze.

Jim Brenholts, all music

"The solo debut from the leader of Tangerine Dream is a set of four synthesizer pieces, free-form and pastoral. The lengthy title track is quite naturalistic, organized around a series of synth bubbles and water sounds, while "NGC 891" reflects Froese's interest in space rock."

Hydroponic Garden is the first studio album by Swedish ambient duo, made up of Johannes Hedberg and Daniel Ringström, Carbon Based Lifeforms.

Hydroponic Garden is a wonderful album of soft propelling rhythms contrasted by vast impassioned timbral planes. The sound in this album is fragile and delicate, and each tiny thing that goes on needs to be absorbed by the human mind as a part of the overall atmosphere. With constant drum beats in the backgrounds surrounded by an overall ambient aura, or just random sounds, almost like they're taken from nature; it forms the perfect chillout music.

Jorge Reyes' ritualistic soundscapes are steeped in Mexican Native American traditions. That is Reyes' culture and he embraces the holistic spirituality of his ancestors. PreHispanic is one of the CDs in his pre-Columbian series. Reyes uses native acoustic instruments to create ethnic atmospheres draped in deep reverence. The only electronics involved are for amplification purposes. The totally natural sound design is a true wonder of beauty. The performance techniques and arrangement expertise take this disc to the limit.






Tracks:

1.- Web Of Dreams
2.- Sazilakab
3.- The People With Painted Faces
4.- On The Way To Tlalocan
5.- Stone Music
6.- Dance
7.- The New Fire
8.- The Nine Directions
9.- Journey To Mictlan
10.- Wood Music
11.- The Flight Of The Bird Children

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"An invigorating display of the duo's diversity, maturity, and inventiveness, Under the Eye features ensemble settings with guitarist Tom Vatlin, bassist Shido, drummers Robbie Bean and Gene Refkin, and percussionist Marc Anderson."

Linda Kohanov, allmusic