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Vidna Obmana / Bass Communion: Continuum

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Artist: Vidna Obmana / Bass Communion
Title: Continuum
Format: CD
Label: Soleilmoon
Rated: * * * * *
This disc consists of three tracks, each about 20 minutes each. Nice oversize packaging with three art inserts about the size of a postcard. The artwork was done by Lasse Hoile and is reminiscent of Ben Didier’s work for Ad Noiseam. Reminds me of Amplexus releases in their glory days. I have some of Vidna Obmana’s work, although I was unfamiliar with Bass Communion (he also records under the name Porcupine Tree, which I do have and that project is nowhere near as good as this disc).

On to the music. If you are expecting something more new age like Vidna Obmana's River of Appearance, you’ll be disappointed. The first track starts off a bit more dissonant, although no so much as with Obmana’s collaboration with Asmus Tietchens, employing long drones that shift subtly. However, about halfway through it shifts to a more minimalist stance, becoming more and more minimalist as the track nears the ending, to the point where I had to check the player to see if it was still playing. Track 2 starts off as quietly as the last track left off. This track takes on a darker tone, reminiscent of Lustmord, only not quite so sparse. (Doesn’t everything in the dark ambient realm get compared to Lustmord eventually?) This track also shifts about halfway through into lush drone with a bit less dissonance than the previous track. I like the complexity of this track. There is a lot happening under the surface that keeps it interesting. As expected, Track 3 also starts off quietly, building up to soft drones. This track has a slightly noisier undercurrent, but by no means is this harsh. Once again, at the halfway point it gets a bit more interesting with some bass synth kicking in to provide some melody at which point the noisy undercurrent becomes a bit more demanding. Track 3 is by far the high point of this disc. I really wish that the whole disc was like the last 10 minutes! Outstanding.

Overall, this is a decent disc, but I found myself wanting more from the music. It was almost too subtle. After 40 minutes, I found myself wanting to change discs, not because it was bad, but because it was no longer engaging. Luckily, it got better halfway through track 3. Even so, according to Soleilmoon this CD is limited to 1000 copies and already sold out and out of print. You can still get it on Itunes, but then you are missing out on the exquisite packaging.


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