Artist: Experimental Audio Research Album: Beyond the Pale

Year: 1996
Duration: 0:0-1

Beyond the Pale: An Experimental Journey into Ambient Music

Experimental Audio Research, also known as EAR, has been a pioneer in ambient and experimental music since the early 90s. Their latest album, Beyond the Pale, is a trip down the rabbit hole of experimental music, incorporating elements of drone, psychedelia, and electronic music. In this critical review of the album, we’ll take a closer look at the history of the artist, the music genre of the album, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and a critic to the album.

Let’s begin with the history of EAR. The band was formed in 1990 by Sonic Boom, a former member of the alternative rock band, Spacemen 3. In their early years, EAR was heavily influenced by krautrock and the experimental sound of bands like Can and Neu! They later moved on to explore more ambient and electronic soundscapes, becoming one of the most respected acts in the experimental scene.

Beyond the Pale is a continuation of EAR’s exploration of ambient music, incorporating elements of drone and psychedelia in their soundscapes. The album consists of four tracks, ranging from 7 to 17 minutes long. Each track is like a journey into an alternate reality, where sound is the driving force of the experience. The album’s minimalistic approach allows the listener to fully immerse themselves in the soundscapes, creating a unique and hypnotic experience.

The best songs of the album include “Nebula Dawn,” “Resonant Magnetic Source,” and “All Too Unlikely.” “Nebula Dawn” is a slow-building track, with layers of drones and ambient textures that create a spacey atmosphere. “Resonant Magnetic Source” is a hypnotic track that features repetitive electronic beats and drones, creating a meditative vibe. “All Too Unlikely” is the most experimental track of the album, featuring distorted vocals and industrial noises that create a chaotic yet intriguing soundscape.

The most innovative part of the album is how each track flows seamlessly into the next, creating a continuous journey into the world of ambient and experimental music. The transitions between tracks are flawless, creating a sense of coherence between the four tracks.

While Beyond the Pale is a great album that showcases EAR’s creativity and experimentation, it may not be for everyone. The minimalistic approach may be too slow for some listeners, and the lack of traditional song structures may be too unconventional for others. However, for those who are willing to embrace the experimental soundscapes, Beyond the Pale is a rewarding ride.

Beyond the Pale is a testament to EAR’s creativity and experimentation in the world of ambient and experimental music. The album’s minimalistic soundscapes allow the listener to fully immerse themselves in the world of sound, creating a unique and hypnotic experience. While the album may not be for everyone, it is a must-listen for fans of experimental music. With this album, EAR continues to push the boundaries of what music can be, taking us on a journey beyond the pale.