Repository by Stratosphere

After the critically acclaimed 'Collaborations I' album, Belgian guitar ambient act Stratosphere returns with a five-track EP. Aptly titled 'Repository', this EP delves into Ronald's archives and compiles five tracks written for an equal amount of special occasions. Although this EP is not as varied as 'Collaborations I', it is a perfect overview of the immersive, multi-layered ambient sound that pleasantly surprises ambient aficionados everywhere.

The EP opens with 'Hear', a slowly lingering ambient piece composed for the HEAR-festival, curated by Mike Kramer. In a way, this is a traditional Stratosphere track, with a neat blend of gloomy drones and meandering soundscapes. 'Anticipation', composed for Serge Timmers' debut novel 'Cecilia's World', is a sweet and almost classic drone ambient piece, all in perfect Stratosphere tradition and perfectly fitting with the calm atmosphere of the book itself.

'Essence' is an exception. This is the most "acoustic" that Stratosphere has ever been before. Pure, almost stripped down of any effects, but still the typical Stratosphere atmosphere is present.

And then, there is the intense and dark 'God Was Nowhere To Be Found'. This track was inspired by the opening scene for Serge Timmers' second novel, a superhuman thriller titled 'I Do Not Want This'. This track is a short but an exhilarating and suspenseful tune. Again, perfectly suited for its purpose. So is the magnificent closer 'Tides' by the way, composed to play live at Ashtoreth's Palazzo sessions. I was there, shaking my head in disbelief and mumbling "this guy is a genius". I was not this only one thinking that.

In all, this is simply a must-have for Stratosphere fans and a perfect start for those who want to get acquainted with his sound. The tunes on 'Repository' are baffling examples of Stratosphere's musical abilities. They certainly raise the bar in the drone-ambient scene. So, do yourself a favor and dive into the dreamy universe of Stratosphere. Get the EP, relax and let your mind wander off. It rarely gets better than this.

Serge Timmers

Guitar and bass are the main instruments which are manipulated by pedals to create harmonic soundscapes with a hint of post-rock influences.

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