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review by Dene Bebbington Ambient fans will probably be aware of Larry Kucharz who has a fair sized discography exploring genres besides ambient, such as techno and dub, as well as his computer music. Ambient Blue Washes is my first introduction to his music; first impressions with music (as with people) are important and I'm glad to say that this first album in the ambient washes series has captured my attention. The title gives the listener advnce notice that the music consists of washes of sound, and it's of the minimalist kind somewhat like IXOHOXI's offerings where each track focuses on a particular sonic anchor and structure. Six tracks between nine and fifteen minutes comprise this album, each one is made up of synth washes of different hues. Interestingly, one thing that most tracks have in common is a slightly urgent tone to some of the washes, this is most pronounced on "blue wash no. 2" where klaxon like noises keep rising up out of nowhere to produce a stammering refrain for a few seconds before fading away ready for the next appearance. The piece that works best for me is the opener "blue wash no. 1". Waves of lovely synth tones that have a hint of urgency like a distant siren buoy the listener on a calmly bobbing sea of sound. In fact we also hear quiet hisses like the rolling of water up and down a beach. Though the synth washes don't necessarily have a calm quality, the overall effect of the album can be calming because of the sonic rocking motion of the waves of sound. It's not all like floating on the sea though, "ambient wash no. 3" has a cavernous atmosphere as a variety of fleeting airy washes rush past like shadows or ghosts - some of which sound playful or mischevious while others are more sinister. I feel sure that those who enjoy minimalist flowing ambience won't be disappointed with Ambient Blue Washes. It's a great album to put on when you can give it your undivided attention; lie back and let the sounds gently rock you for over a hour. |
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