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.

Waiting For The Tiller offers experiments in serene minimalism that fill the hollow spaces the twisted mind yearns to fill. Each track subtly tells a tale of the uncertainty of the human condition, and the deep longing for spiritual awareness. Mathias Anderson, the man behind this project, possesses a knack for bent experimental audio sculptures that tap the oil wells of the great unknown. With no percussion to speak of, blasts of unexpected harmonies, drones and distant spoken samples, these layers of space and time are best experienced alone in solitude. Have yourself a few glasses of wine, sit under the stars, and let the twisted audio imagery of Hollydrift wash your dirty soul. These dramatic ambient soundscapes give rise to introspection and self-discovery, a rare quality in today’s music scene. Perhaps followers of Raison D’etre, Lustmord or Coil will be the ones to truly understand this release, but any fan of dark experimental music will appreciate its unique journey.