Robert Rich's "What We Left Behind," released on April 30, 2016, under Soundscape Productions, is a captivating journey through soundscapes that blend ambient, space music, dark ambient, drone, and new age genres. Recorded between 2014 and 2016, and meticulously mixed and mastered by Rich himself, this album spans 12 tracks and a total duration of 1 hour and 2 minutes.
The album is a sonic exploration of a recurring dream—a vision of Earth long after humanity has vanished. Rich crafts a vivid soundscape of a lush, verdant world teeming with life, inviting the audience to imagine a future where nature thrives in our absence. Each track, from the haunting "Profligate Earth" to the introspective "What We Left Behind," offers a unique perspective, blending half-rhythmic, half-astral ambient backdrops with psychedelic melodies.
"Soft Rains Fall" and "Aerial on Warm Seas" evoke images of serene landscapes, while "Corvid Collections" and "Transpiration" introduce darker, more mysterious elements. The album's title track, "What We Left Behind," serves as a poignant reflection on the legacy we might leave behind. Throughout, Rich's signature style shines, creating a cohesive and immersive listening experience.
"What We Left Behind" is a testament to Robert Rich's ability to evoke powerful imagery and emotion through sound, making it a standout addition to his discography and a must-experience for fans of ambient and experimental music.