Search - Vidna Obmana :: Memories Compiled 1

Lovers of ambient music will find two hours of solid delight in this two-disc collection of early material (1988-89) from Belgium's Dirk Serries (a.k.a. Vidna Obmana). The first disc, Monument of Empty Colours, done in collaboration with Puerto Rican experimental artist PBK, is the grittier of the two, with a distinctly postindustrial rumbling making up the low end of most of the otherwise relaxing, synth-loop-driven compositions. Gathering in Frozen Beauty, the other disc in this lavishly packaged set, is brighter and a bit more serene. It's Obmana on his own this time, and it's the kind of work that would presage the smooth, calming ambiance so skillfully executed on his early-'90s material (captured superbly on the Trilogy box set). According to Obmana, this music was meant to be played at low volume, presumably in the background. Not to deny the artist's intent, but you might find that headphone listening really captures the stark beauty of these introspective soundscapes. --Steve Landau