The [Law-Rah] Collective – Inspiration

CD, Ant-Zen, 2008
www.darkambient.net

A new chapter begins in the history of this prolific Dutch ambient artist’s library. I have always been an avid fan of Bauke Van Der Wal’s work, and this time he is joined by colleague Martijn Pieck in bringing the collective’s most stunning work to date.
Rich drowning bass drones rise and swamp the listener from the off and immediately drag you in, holding you steadfast for the immersive journey to come. There is an entirely new element to the collective (that was lightly hinted at on ‘as it is’), one which surely brings Law-Rah into more alternative territories. The introduction of light glitches and pitter-pattering beats that add to the light hypnosis of wave upon wave of lush, late summer evening tones leave your soul basking in their low warm light. Almost tribal elements break into the mix; further enhancing the advancement of the collective’s sound and is a welcome change in this project’s arsenal, complimenting the beautiful film score quality of this release.
Past Law-Rah albums seemed more simplistic to me. The drones were straight forward and left a lot of empty space for one’s thoughts to piece it all together as a jigsaw puzzle. With “Inspiration” there is still the necessary space, but Van Der Wal and Pieck have filled out the layers for you with careful attention to spatial awareness and immediacy as well as subtleties that envelop the listener like never before.
“Inspiration” is a gorgeous piece of work and scores highly as one of my favourite ambient albums of all time right now. Comes packaged with beautiful artwork courtesy of S.Alt. Fantastic.

[9.5/10]

— Tony Young