tides
it is hard to match this album with the right mood to enjoy it. only after a few listens I was able to find a perfect timing when minimal dreamy atmosphere of the album started growing on me. the distinct theme going through the album reminds of a tidal waves slowly advancing to the shore and seamlessly disappearing.
small steady percussion pulses and glowing keys mix with either distant samples or melodic movements that come in waves; often the rhythm is abandoned completely leaving glowing mass of elongated strings that bring back ultra milkmaids memories (tracks "tomorrow morning," "seaside"). on "deauville" laidback raw percussion and gentle strings take the listener to the sea side where the waves reflect the morning sun and the glow on the water is almost unbearable.
the biggest problem I have with this album is that it is not nearly as well-arranged and not as intricate as "atol scrap" was. the sounds used are still pleasantly atonal and sparse, but they are way too familiar and common (namely, a lot of guitar sounds; the trend that seems to haunt me for last few weeks; it does work out quite interesting during "the storm" mixing laid back acoustic guitar and mesmerizing simple percussion; I suppose acoustic guitar is needed to build a completely organic setting, complemented by water and birds samples, all of which is nicely contrasted by basic minimal beats). it takes an effort to complete the visual atmosphere and enjoy the same kind of warm spacey ambience that "atol scrap" is known for. interestingly enough, this cd appeared just a few months after "atol scrap" so I cannot really label it as a development of a band, rather an exploration in a slightly different direction.
with arovane it takes more than one track and one day to get into, the whole album has to work its magic slowly over time; with "atol scrap" it took me a few weeks after which the album completely captivated me. even though "tides" doesn't seem to be as captivating, it still touches me with its genuine soft atmosphere.