1. Asura – “Marianna Falls” 9:38
  2. Androcell – “Seahorse Dreams” 8:00
  3. Chronos – “Planetarium (Aquarius Edit)” 7:50
  4. Astropilot – “Voda” 7:52
  5. Aes Dana – “Cyan” 7:41
  6. Man With No Name – “Sugar Rush (Kanc Cover Remix)” 8:40
  7. Shakri – “Lysergic Atmosphere” 5:48
  8. Zymosis – “God Is Mine (DJ Zen Extended Remix)” 13:36
  9. Ra – “Creation of Tefnet” 6:59

As the second installment in Altar Records’ element series, “Water” brings us a fresh new look into DJ Zen’s stashbag.   Boasting an all-star cast of ambient soundscapers and a wonderfully themed & cohesive track listing, this release further heightens my excitement for the future of this new label.

The album begins with a bright, symphonic piece by Asura.  This song flows like a majestic river through the forest, bubbling with life and commanding our attention to its graceful display of power!  This river leads us to the vast ocean in the form of “Seahorse Dreams” by Androcell, which takes us deeper and deeper below the surface.  This is a wonderfully done track with ambience that really tickles your imagination.

Next are two of my favorite up-and-coming artists back to back!  Chronos delivers nothing short of his usual epic journeys in song form with “Planetarium.”  Eerie, dynamic ambience and a haunting melody bring this track to life wherever one is listening to it.  “Voda” by Astropilot is a beautiful hybrid of seemingly acquatic ambience and driving shamanic slow-trance.  This one is sure to make for a great opening track for the early evening psychill DJ’s out there!

The stage is now set for Aes Dana to delight us with a new and exclusive track, “Cyan.”  This track with its 4-on-the-floor beat, subtle ambient melodies & textures, and mysterious ancient vocals serves as a fine example of the musical amalgamation that vaguely defines our little genre.

The album changes pace a little with “Sugar Rush (Kanc Cover Remix)” by Man With No Name, which is much more progressive and melodically driven.  His use of tone and pitch easily lead your mind away from the sometimes unpleasant and mundane world around us to a world of pure imagination.  However, Shakri’s “Lysergic Atmosphere” dissolves this peaceful moment into a pool of swirling in-your-face psychedelia.  An industrial-esque synth lead directs the listeners’ thoughts; the pounding bass drum keeps us moving; and Terence McKenna shows up in our sonic vision like the helping spirit of an ancestor.

Before the album comes to an end, DJ Zen presents us with his extended remix of  “God Is Mine” by Zymosis.  This is a wonderfully sculpted track, moving the listener through many modes and motifs varying from mystical flutes to abstract breaks, to a tribal stomp.  The water cycle comes full circle and evaporates into the air with “Creation of Tefnet” by Ra.  This dynamic, dramatic, and mournfully melodic track makes for the perfect ending to this thematic compilation.

Recommendation: For all those looking to keep up with the cutting edge of this sound, and for fans of any of these great artists.  You will be glad you ordered this one!

Favorite Tracks: 2, 4, 7, 8

http://www.altar-records.com/preorders.html (Purchase this release here!)
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