music review

::: Artemiy Artemiev ::: "five mystery tales of asia"

ambient

Over the past few years, I had heard great things about the Russian electronic composer Artemiy Artemiev. Unfortunatley I'd just never had time to make contact with all the artists I'd like to. However, one recent day, I was delighted to discover a large package in my post box that contained no less than 7 CDs by Artemiy and his co-composers. A wonderful surprise. I'm getting to review them one by one. Here is the first review - of my current favourite of his CDs.

But first, some background information: Artemiev has composed for dozens of Russian films, TV programmes, theatre plays and more. In terms of his music, I suppose you could describe him the Russian equal to Brian Eno during his ambient phase. In Russia and nearby countries I gather he is as well known and respected as Eno is in Western countries. So I feel extra special that he and his label work so hard to promote their music that they send it through underground media in the West. This is his fourth solo album.

On this album of lush ambient music and drones, the composer incorporates the timbres and tones of native mongolian, chinese and japanese music. From the peaceful and relaxing to dark and ominous. Drones, ambient bells and wind instruments, native string instruments and sparse hypnotic percussions, himalayan singing and chanting and synth-washes all make this one of my favourite all time ambient albums - it's in my top 3. 5 tracks span 64 minutes. Highly recommended.

It's available from Electroshock Records - Ul. Krilatskaya 31-1-321, 121614 Moscow, Russia. E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.electroshock.ru