Ott's second album begins with an ambient interlude saturated with ethnic sounds. But at about a third into a 12-minute track, the bass drops into a pleasant reggae-infused dub that always gets me bopping my head. But who is this Ott, with only one other previous solo release on Twisted Records? Why, he's the producer behind Hallucinogen's In Dub, of course. He also worked with Shpongle, The Orb and Brian Eno. With a huge list of collaborations and studio work, Ott is at the top when it comes to quality production. And Skylon is no exception. Dropping the above mentioned names should give you an idea of psychedelic ambient sound that dominates the album. And so my dry and nostalgic longing for psychill is instantly rejuvenated. Skylon prominently stands among my all time favorites by Simon Postford and Ron Rothfield (Raja Ram, 1200 Mics), downtempo tracks by Infected Mushroom, as well as earlier works by Shulman. And you too, without a doubt, will recognize the staple pitch-shifted vocal manipulation, time stretched flanged beats, and lead arpeggios fed through low-pass filters. All of the above works very well within the super dubbed out, delay-heavy, world-music-infused tracks. Definitely grab this for above mentioned names, as well as Younger Brother, Phutureprimitive, Tripswitch and Bluetech. Favorite tracks: The Queen Of All Everything, Roflcopter and an absolutely beautiful A Shower Of Sparks.
Due to those delayings on this album, expectations were very high for Skylon, I guess. In any case, we talk about Ott, who made Hallucinogen In Dub (2002) and Blumenkraft (2003), so I think I don't exaggerate if I say that his second album was awaited by half of the world. After counting the days we could finally receive it.
Conception and sound is very similar to Blumenkraft. Heavy dub rhythms with hypnotizing psychedelic ambient gems, and some interesting reagge - as always. Ott doesn't renew his well-known stlye (thank God for it!), he only gives us his very characteristic music that we love so much since we first heard it.
From Trunch To Stormness (just like Jack's Cheese And Bread Snack on Blumenkraft) is the longest track on the disc, and opens it slowly and carefully. Not very dynamic, has easy drums, but pefrectly establishes the mood of the album.
The Queen Of All Everything is quite same, but has stronger world. Starts really deep and gradually turns into an acid-feeling which is stunningly beautiful in my opinion.
After these two tracks lead up Skylon, we get a much more powerful track Rogue Bagel which you may have known before from the so-called Twisted DVD. Very great part of the disc! Dynamic, organic and has very cool vocals (one of them is Meena, whose singing appears on Gaudi's Bass, Sweat And Tears). This track shows very well why Ott is considered to be the biggest dub magician in the world.
Daisies And Rubies comes next. Has a pretty heavy dub rhythm, but the track itself is very positive, just like Signals From Bob. These two pieces are very trippy and twisted. Amazing tracks!
382 Seaside is a bit weak, if you ask me. Its melody is too weird for me, and at the half of the track it turns into too strong. Not a real bad track, but I would be happier without it on Skylon.
Fortunately Rolfcopter helps it out with its fantastic power, same as on Rogue Bagel. More psychedelic, more hypnotizing - crazier than the third track. Definitely cool!
A Shower Of Sparks is the last track on the disc. Beautiful finish to Skylon with nice flute and amazing guitar. Reminds me a bit to the sound of Shulman.
So, this is it... The long awaited album is finally out. As I read reviews and feedbacks I see quite different opinions. Many people find Skylon low, boring, and so. Me, I think Ott followed his line and made a thrilling work again. It was worth waiting for it for such a long time.