Back catalogue: Ambient/Drone

Review: James Clements (ASC) has been one of the most highly regarded artists in ambient, ambient techno and IDM scene since his evolution into the sound about 15 years ago. His ability to create deep soundscapes over lush beats and atmospheres come from his liquid drum n bass background prior to working with more cinematic tracks. ASC is back with a new release and it finds a home at the Past Inside the Present stable where he had put out a few EPs on the last couple years. This haunting and beautiful release Loss, explores various moods and atmospheres to great success. Tracks like the amazing and spacious 'Sensory Disintegration' to the poignant 'What More Can Be Said' which adds a lush airspace to a stunning piano piece. Some soundscapes are majestic and triumphant while others are minimal and then foreboding. New age and ambient fans will rejoice after hearing this magical album. Available in limited quantities so act quickly! Comes with download code inside.

Review: Berlin trio AUSKLANG are back with Kairos, a second superb album that builds on their last effort, 2020's Chronos, also on Past Inside the Present, 2020. It finds the trio of Fabian Koppri, Benjamin Sohn, and Simon Ansing play with concepts of time and entropy across eight movements that balance melodic post-rock and layered ambient soundscapes. It's a deceptively complex blend of glitching electronics, drums, bass and guitar with classically inspired orchestrations that makes for something as immersive and grand as it is beautiful. As the summer fades and autumn arrives, this richly rewarding album is sure to prove a great companion as we spend more time indoors.

Review: US ambient maestro zake and vocalist Angela Winter exchanged ideas for a whole year in the course of putting together this, this debut collaboration. It comes as a numbered CD with a download code and is, according to zake, "the perfect orchestration between two individuals at the right moment." We agree as it beautifully navigates a realm between the terrestrial and cosmic with organic drones and ethereal vocals fort and centre. The likes of 'Terminal Sleep' contrasts dynamic drones with introspective moments while 'Advent' offers harmonic pulses and sculpted vocals as Winter's instinctive responses to everyday sounds enrich the album's allure. A perfect soundtrack to quiet introspection, Mid Sky is another gem in a long line of them from this label.