Ambisonic - s/t
(self-released 2009)
Ambisonic - s/t
(self-released 2009)
From Aural Innovations October 2009 update
Ambisonic is the Toronto duo of Erik Culp on guitars, Moogs, and keys and Paul
Barry on drums and piano. Throw in some vintage bass pedals, Theremin and stylophone
to that mix and you can tell immediately that for just two musicians, they have
a wide sonic palette to work with. AI readers may be familiar with Erik Culp
from his solo work as The Atomic Cosmonaut and as bandleader of the now defunct
space rock band Mind of a Squid. Ambisonic definitely follows more in the footprints
of his solo work, being quirky complex instrumentals that draw on progressive
rock and electronica, with some elements of space rock in there as well. But
with the addition of Paul Barry, the two of them are able to take the sound
further than ever before. The music of Ambisonic is complex and energetic, eschewing
for the most part the quieter, ambient songs of Culp's solo efforts in favour
of a more dramatic and intense sound. Culp's exhilarating guitar work locks
in tightly with Barry's precise and outstanding drumming, while the keyboards
layer in textures and melodies that flesh the sound out into a whole. The only
quieter pieces really are the three short movements of Luminaire spread throughout
the album, that draw on classical styles with reflective piano work sliding
gently over shimmering and spacey electronics. They give a nice overall balance
for a dynamic album of progressive music that may just appeal to both prog rock
and space rock fans alike.
For more information, and instructions on how to download the album for free, visit the duo's web site at: http://www.myspace.com/spaceprog
Reviewed by Jeff Fitzgerald