Welcome to 1993.
Remember melodies? Lush, spacey, relaxing ambient tracks? Atmosphere? Remember music without CLICKING? Well, maybe you don’t, but I swear it used to exist. Honestly. And, as it turns out, the artists of Miami label Merck Records are still capable of producing — and with great results.
Merck’s Aurora compilation features ambient tracks from a variety of artists including Merck superstars Sense, Lackluster, Syndrone and a host others. Aurora begins with a hypnotic introduction from Sense, flowing into a hypnotic track from Melf, flowing into a hypnotic track from Phonex, flowing in– well, you get the idea. While its tracks all have a similar feel, there’s more than enough variety to keep the listener’s attention through its entire 74:20 running time.
While the compilation, as a whole, is very cohesive, there are a few standout tracks. Phonex’s “Amphora”, Proem’s “Boring Alice” and Ilkae’s “Elve” are reminiscent of Fripp & Eno’s ambient soundscapes. Other tracks will surely bring back fond memories of ambient classics such as Aphex Twin’s Selected Ambient Works 2 and Future Sound of London’s masterpiece, Lifeforms – vivid, organic works with a subtle hint of the wires and circuits that live just beneath the surface.
Intricately programmed beats and DSP trickery are all well and good, but it’s a refreshing change to hear an emphasis on melodies and atmosphere. Aurora is pretty. It’s a pretty, pretty CD. An essential ambient compilation.
Listen to Real Audio clips from this compilation here.
