Review by EnditAug 12, 2007(edited over 4 years ago)
This is one of the best ambient and concept albums I have ever heard. Loscil explores watery, deep depths with slow sonic drones and light beats sprinkled on top. The submarines on this album are exploring uninhabited, probably uncharted waters. An album about submarines could easily sound claustrophobic, from taking a viewpoint of the submarines themselves, but this sounds sprawling and unbelievably vast, as if it's the soundtrack to the landscapes they're exploring. The album sounds very desolate though, both in mood and actual sounds present. There are no melodies on this album, and the scarce beats that are used never even hint at becoming something more, though "Mute" and "Diable Marin" are almost asking for one. This is as ambient as it gets, and it can easily stack against other ambient masterpieces, such as SAWII.
Loscil's second album on the Kranky label, is a journey into supremely deep ambience. With minimal 4/4 beats, echoing chords and aquatic sounscapes, it's no wonder all the tracks are named after submarines. Fans of Gas, Pan American, Signer, and the Chain Reaction label would do well to hunt down this disc. Stunning.
A very deep and good album. Reminds me of pan american. So the ones who enjoy the sound of Mark Nelson (Pan American) should get this one, too. Btw every track of this album is named after a submarine:)