Robert Rich - Bestiary

Experimental composer Robert Rich has studied both computer music and Psychology at Stanford University. With a deep rooted interest in using music as a psychoactive stimulus, Rich weaves a tapestry of sonic effervescence that captivates even the passive listener, and gives the active listener new wings to soar into the endless folds of space. Bestiary spits and gurgles its way through an enchanted forest of haunting tones and contrived dissonance. The opening track, “Mantis Intentions” is full of experimental meanderings that test the bounds of ambient music norms. “Nesting on Cliffsides”, clocking in at nearly thirteen minutes, is a fluid harmonious track that opens with a Far East pitter-pat of synthwork over some operatic female vocals, then soars through a wind tunnel and morphs into a sparse and spacey cavern of water drops and murky acoustics. “Sharpening her Talons” is reminiscent of Einsturzende Neubauten with its wall of noise, balls out ambience. The final track “Premonition” comes closest to having a traditional song structure. It features emotive, androgenous, Auto-Tune processed vocals that drive the Eastern tinged groove and help create an exquisitely melodic and beautiful song. Bestiary is soundtrack muzak for inward journeys through the soul.