Bob Holroyd is one of those musicians you hear without knowing it. He spends a lot of his time producing library albums, and generic music used for commercials, films, and industrial presentations. He writes to a nonspecif... more »ic mood and other people put it to imagery. Every couple of years he surfaces with an engaging ambient album, and A Different Space is his latest. It finds him taking a techno-tribal turn, using lots of global instrumental and vocal samples from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, and putting it on top of propulsive dance grooves à la Deep Forest. Then he tosses in live players like trumpeter Kevin Robinson doing a Hugh Masekela-style solo on "Drumming Up a Storm" or Dirk Campbell weaving in uilleann pipes and ney flute. It's all been done by Deep Forest, Loop Guru, Banco De Gaia and others, and Holroyd adds little to the form, but there's no denying the slick, sonically rich landscapes he creates. But like his library music it has the feel of formula. In fact, the more he gets away from his loops, such as "Dark Waters" (with its live guitar, percussions, and bass), the more lively and "authentic" his music gets. --John Diliberto« less
Bob Holroyd is one of those musicians you hear without knowing it. He spends a lot of his time producing library albums, and generic music used for commercials, films, and industrial presentations. He writes to a nonspecific mood and other people put it to imagery. Every couple of years he surfaces with an engaging ambient album, and A Different Space is his latest. It finds him taking a techno-tribal turn, using lots of global instrumental and vocal samples from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, and putting it on top of propulsive dance grooves à la Deep Forest. Then he tosses in live players like trumpeter Kevin Robinson doing a Hugh Masekela-style solo on "Drumming Up a Storm" or Dirk Campbell weaving in uilleann pipes and ney flute. It's all been done by Deep Forest, Loop Guru, Banco De Gaia and others, and Holroyd adds little to the form, but there's no denying the slick, sonically rich landscapes he creates. But like his library music it has the feel of formula. In fact, the more he gets away from his loops, such as "Dark Waters" (with its live guitar, percussions, and bass), the more lively and "authentic" his music gets. --John Diliberto
Guardian of the Zen Sea | Looking after the sun and surf | 08/31/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Well, Six Degrees records strikes again!! How do they find these talented people? This CD has great musical integrety while making a lot of use of synthesizers and dubs. The World vocal crossover stylings on a couple of the pieces contrast very well with the dream spaces evoked in others. There is never a dull moment wandering through this landscape. Some of the pieces have been played on Hearts of Space, while others would be more suited for a trance outing. All are excellent. Go for it."
Better than the movie!
Miles | Atlanta, GA | 08/05/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Bob Holroyd is a creator of atmosphere and texture; his music has a cinematic quality that takes you to some very exotic places. If you've got a little time, and have nowhere to go, play this on headphones, or in a quiet room. A beautiful work."
Electronic world music?
Neil Kerr | Hastings, NE United States | 10/10/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Bob Holroyd has crafted an outstanding CD that combines the influences of world music (influences that sound like they come from all over the globe!) with the nuanaces and subtleties available in electronic music. The rhythms and percussion really stand out in nearly every track, and they're remarkably different on every track. The first track and "African Drug" are African-influenced fast-moving fly-bys, while "Adrift in Kerala" and "Something Understood" are more Asian trance. "Earthwatching", my favorite, is unlike everything else on the CD - mysterious and purely electronic. The vocals on the CD are sparse yet effective, and each track will grab you in its own way. A great CD!"
Simply amazing
lunaticsoul | Las Vegas, nv United States | 08/05/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"You know the type of album. The type that is really great the first tim eyou put it in. The type that upon further listen gets better and better, till you can't live with out it. Thats the special treat Bob Holroyd has delvered here today. I am a fan of Six degree's yet I see this and the Two Banco De Gaia albums they released as the only "perfect" albums they have released yet. If your a fan of Banco De Gaia you should definitly pick this up next. Holroyd goes back in forth between some really great up beat world inspired tracks with some crazy drum work. Into some truly emotional filled Ambient tracks that are simply beautiful. The mixed tempo of this album seems to be this only valid complain I have seen, But I don't buy into these "rules" that an album must somehow follow tempo restrictions. A Wonderful album such as this breaks the rules and delvers great music regardless."
Steve Hillage Expansion
Carl Johnson | Detroit, MI United States | 09/09/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I mention Hillage is this review because that is how I found out about Bob Holroyd. I personally am not a big fan of the Top Hat heavy trans-beat. You won't find much of that on this record. What you do find are many layered synthetic wonders, innertwined with acoustic sounds, which feature beats; but are not completely beat driven. The moods created here are not too dark either (just is case you don't like dark ambient!). Bob is a talented synth artists with a solid command on his ethnic influences. The pieces on this record have an intricacy with them that is NOT overwhelming or inaccessable! Great spin!"