Description
The self-titled album by the American ambient techno project Ambient Theology (previously known as Virus) was released on N*Soul Records in 1995, distributed in the US by Diamante Music Group. The album was recorded at Nowhere Studios in Missouri; with Virus producing. Visual concept, design, and manipulations by Leonard Zimmerman for SPARED.
Since electronica is more often than not dominated by instrumental music (sans vocals), the “theology” portion came in the form of well-written, deeply thought out devotionals. The idea was that the listener might read the meditations while listening to the music.
Those of you who read about Virus in CR28 will be well primed for this exceptional album which navigates the electronic vistas of instrumental ambience. And to keep the whole thing Christocentric the booklet offers spiritual contemplations to go with each track. My particular favourites at the moment are «Over The Face Of The Deep» with the sounds of wind and water integrated into a shimmering soundscape and «Humanity», an eery anthem made for a cathedral. Elsewhere the talented duo quote Proverbs 16:3 (“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed”). They clearly have. What could have been vacuously pretentious isn’t, instead ‘Ambient Theology’ holds the listener in its hypnotic patterns. Those looking for pop hooks or obvious dancefloor anthems had better look elsewhere. But those wishing to come on a strange, musical journey of haunting electronic improvisations this is the album you’ve been waiting for. [Tony Cummings, Cross Rhythms, February 1996]
CD tracklist:
01. Formless – 6:19
02. Over The Face Of The Deep – 6:04
03. 16:3 – 6:21
04. Humanity – 7:18
05. Writing In The Sand – 6:05
06. Mountain – 5:59
07. Simplicity – 9:58
08. Offering – 8:20
09. Hope – 5:50
10. Love – 7:09
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by N*Soul Records.
[youtube_sc url=”tWUFGKfhw6Y” title=”Ambient Theology – Formless” autohide=”1″ rel=”0″]
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