Ambientrance (US)

Indefinable-though-alluring sounds are captured within Dan Abram’s very computerized frame; despite their digital origins, the soundforms of Shuttle358 have been reshaped into pillowy amorphousness then sprinkled with varying amounts of microscopic particles… this process of easy-on-the-ears experimentalism yields fascinating results…

Dreamy aurora-borealis-like soundwaves are pocked by rhythmicated digi-grit as frame nicely blends the disparate materials into something appealingly smooth-yet-crunchy. Mechanical resonance and faintly sputtering static drift from the warm vagueness of out out. The indeterminate echoes and hazy streams of broom are subjected to seemingly random low-level crackles.

Hovering essences radiate and glow from the electronic/industrial sheen of “Fissure” (8:01); multilayered drones warble slightly amongst recurring soft-focus hisses and buzzes. Despite its more-organic title, “Lyndon Tree” is every bit as electronic and obtuse as its counterparts, wafting and ringing in loosely defined patterns.

(Somewhat) like clockwork, chimey/buzzy tones emit from “Hasp22” (3:09) as do sporadic miniature ticks. The plushly pulsating organ-like chords of calty spiral around more-ephemeral rays, and are backed by ghostly percussive presences. “Isonpgn”‘s shapeless drifts of stratified ephemera are topped with a goosey honking cycle.

Within “Spiff”‘s easy tones and nearly-invisible specks, speech fragments are buried, discussing the creative joys of blending one’s work and hobbies. (Read the exclusive AmbiEntrance interview to learn the surprising truth about this brief, embedded conversation.)

Also included on the CD is a short “Frame” video by Abrams; the motion of enigmatic drive-by urbanscapes work nicely with the snappy track.

Perhaps slightly less user-friendly (and slightly more “experimental”) than his debut (1999’s Optimal.lp), Shuttle358 still places an intriguing frame around his abstract sonic renderings. These micro-mechanical-ambient hybrids melt together in indefinite-yet-inviting slurs, texturized by static-like molecules. I’m simply sucked into these 9.3 ethereal surrealisms and recommend that you get yours from 12k before they’re gone.