On The fourth level of comprehension, Porzellan’s second album release, we hear many “classic” synth sounds, “typical” motifs and other elements one might use to define ambient music. However, in this reviewer’s opinion, ambient music is not necessarily an excuse to throw momentum and a sense of direction out the window – and nor does an incredibly largo tempo justify or determine whether the music is ambient or not.
I can imagine that some would love the ponderous, lengthy phrasing that colours this entire record. There is no doubt that a sense of stateliness pervades the recording – but at times the pace of the music is such that the majesty becomes a little overbearing. On the other hand, there are some beautifully balanced “drone” sections that fade in and out, weaving together dissonant harmonies with the meandering musings that appear on each track. This album certainly does not lack warmth, and it is very happy to offer you a cosy aural blanket with which to wrap your ears.
At times this recording appears to refer to music as diverse as Francisco Lopez, Terry Riley, Harmonia and Hilmar Orm Hilmarsson – although thankfully not all at the same time. Texturally, these sorts of influences allow an interesting musical output, but these soundscapes could possibly benefit from being less drone like and having greater articulation or “tuning” of the musical intent and its underpinnings.
Melonie Bayl-Smith
