An ambient supergroup of sorts, Dark Sky Alliance consists of drummer Jerry Marotta (Peter Gabriel, Orleans, Hall & Oates, Indigo Girls, Tony Levin Band, The Security Project and more); keyboardist Rupert Greenall (The Fixx); ambient architect Eric “The” Taylor; and ambient soundscape artist and guitarist David Helpling. Marotta, Greenall and Taylor are also in the ambient group, The Fragile Fate, who put out an album in 2015. 'Interdwell' is DSA's debut album showcasing their formidable individual talents coalescing into a unique whole, something that could be defined as "progressive ambient." In the world of 'Interdwell,' do not expect the music to dwell in the ambient ozone for long. There are many floaty, drifty ambient moments but Marotta's percussion, Helpling's soaring electric guitar and the movement they inspire with the synthesists ensures this album will be anything but strictly placid.

'Interdwell' consists of twelve thoughtful and varied compositions that take their time to evolve, yet unfold beautifully like prize-winning flowers. The track synopsis is as fiollows: "Search" - the rhythmless intro ambient opener with reverbed piano, synth pads, and ethereal atmosphere. "Fortunate One" - begins as ambient but builds into 90's style tribal prog rock. (The Gabrielesque world music style is definitely evident here with touches of David Sylvian.) "Warm Inlet" - deeper into later prog rock we go, getting William Orbit 'Strange Cargo' vibes from this one. "The Desert Mind" - maybe an oasis, Middle Eastern tinged with mild percussion and flute. "Latch" - dark clouds on the horizon offers a foreboding ambience but is laced with good "vibes". Title track ("Interdwell") has elements of tribal, gamelan and Oldfield style progressive rock but combines into something truly different. In a certain sense, likely the best and most represerntative track on the album. "The Far Cry" - reverby piano swathed in ambient pads with melodic intent. "Marotta Swamp" - no alligators, turtles, frogs, or snakes, just interesting ambience that is curiously non-percussive. "Tré Pur" - piano, synth pads, atmosphere and light synth sequencing combine to form a comforting ambience. "The Slow Train Home" - a long (10:30) and very placid ambient track born from Eric “the” Taylor’s first ever recording session with Marotta and bassist Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel, King Crimson) over 20 years ago. Levin’s emotive upright bass glides through an electronic landscape both airy and rich, a traveler watching the hills roll by. "Linear" - firing on all four cylinders, this track is s showcase for just how potent Dark Sky Alliance can be. "Bring Myself To Say It" - the final track on the album cools down with mellow ambience and romantic piano. Reminds me of Vangelis.

When musicians of this caliber pool talents (more for the art than the money) you're bound to get something good, but in this case, it's superb. I think we can expect more good things from Dark Sky Alliance in the future. Highly recommended!