`Primordial Lands Arise' is the follow-up to `CodeX Hypnos,' by the SourceCodeX project. Created solely by John W. Patterson, the ambient album is dark. John uses many technique to create his heavy-toned ambience which include: loops warping, sound effects and manipulating single wave forms.
The majority of the tracks are in the 7-11 minute range, they create a total immersion into dark and mystifying soundscapes, sometimes beautiful, as well as calmly foreboding. Though the sounds and creation of the pieces had to be a huge undertaking, the songs are simple, minimalist, almost as if created for (or during) the beginning of the world. In his music I can invision a multitute of images, barren landscapes, ocean being born, the power of the earth upheaving, creating; a primodial soundtrack.
Mainstream progfans be forewarned, this is NOT pulsating rhythm electronica- ala Tangerine Dream, it is dark, solemn, simple yet complex, brooding primordial soundtracks drenched in deep bass. Many progfans might be turned off by the lack of dynamics or `progressive' time changes. But I believe that given the chance, many will attune to this recording. Consider a darker Brian Eno, creating an electronic symphony about the genesis of a new world.
When I received the CD, the disc stated- Do not drive on long trips or operate heavy machinery while listening to this CD. How true.
This is music not for dancing, grooving, or parties. It showcases Patterson's `stick-to-his-guns' drive of staying away from pounding rythyms and exploring a infinite of worlds, from planetary births to your inner soul . If you would like your music to take you to new realms and imaginations, then this is a great album to try. I love to create my commercial illustration and game design while listening as it does not distract from my tasks at hand, though if you simply relax and close your eyes, the track's nuances open up to a far more complex manner than simple insight.
Is this commercial music? Not in the conventional radio-based sense, but I can see this being this used for television (science channels). It's the musical communuties close-mindedness and peer pressure, not this artist, that limits the exposures of creative composers.
Aside from Patterson's sense of humor on the disc, the album art is interesting, though in black and white. IMHO, it's dying for a grander scale that would reflect the music's feel, but it also shows a inner primordial sense that makes you think, so there you have it.
Give dark ambiance a chance, though I would like to hear a greater use of dynamics, I enjoyed this recording. Let Mr. Patterson take you to another land, another time, and you won't need any drugs, his soundscapes suffice. Just make sure your speakers can handle the bass.
Thanks, John
Rating 8.7 (although comparing to classic prog- a number-based grading is entirely subjective).
