Dive into the surreal and captivating soundscape of "Bestiary," the 2001 masterpiece by ambient pioneer Robert Rich. This album, released on January 1, 2001, through Release/Relapse, is a testament to Rich's unique vision and his ability to create intricate, otherworldly sonic environments. "Bestiary" is not just an album; it's an exploration of the bizarre and the beautiful, inspired by medieval bestiaries and the strange creatures they depicted.
With a runtime of 53 minutes, "Bestiary" features eight tracks that weave together ambient, space music, dark ambient, drone, and new age elements. Rich's signature "glurp" concept is prominently featured, filling the album with mutated electronic textures generated by his MOTM analog modular synthesizer. The result is a rhythmic, energetic, and bizarre journey through a frenetic and surreal landscape inhabited by a wide variety of bizarre organisms.
The album begins with "Mantis Intentions," setting the stage for the intricate soundscapes to come. "Nesting On Cliffsides" and "Dante's Anthropomorphic Zoo" continue the exploration, each track building on the last to create a cohesive and immersive experience. "Bestiary" itself is a standout track, showcasing Rich's ability to craft intricate and evolving soundscapes.
Throughout "Bestiary," Rich's deep interest in using music as a psychoactive stimulus is evident. His background in computer music and psychology shines through in the album's intricate layers and meticulous construction. The album is a sonic venture that is equally intriguing, interesting, evolutive, and soothing, making it a standout release in Robert Rich's discography. Whether you're a longtime fan of ambient music or a newcomer to the genre, "Bestiary" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
Vinylscout