Amorphous Androgynous - Tales Of Ephidrina

scoundrel, May 19, 2004

Amorphous Androgynous (which everyone knows better as the Future Sound of London) released their album Tales of Ephidrina right before Lifeforms. It was claimed at the time that this was a collection of outtakes from Lifeforms -- if this is true, then it’s because these tracks are at such a different level. Personally, this is one of my favorite electronic albums of all time. It’s not just ambient, it’s ambient that wants to house you. The opening track “Liquid Insects” sounds the way Jurassic Park should have been. My favorite track, “Auto Pimp,” begins with an eerie sample with helicopter rotors thrumming in, then builds to a harpsichord-like melody over a driving beat and didgeridoo -- instantly catchy and unique. The beatless tracks, such as “Mountain Goat,” unfold layer after layer of beauty. Samples are scattered throughout the album, but they’re integrated in such a way as to make them seem wholly organic to the compositions. It’s an astonishing album and one that will stand the test of time.

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