Carbon based Lifeforms have just released their new album 'Twentythree' on the consistently excellent Ultimae records. 'Twentythree' sees Daniel and Johannes change tack. Gone are the beats but what you're left with is ambient music that'll take you on a trip. Are you sitting comfortably? Okay, just sit back and let the music wash over you.


'Twentythree' consists of 8 long tracks (the way space music should be). Each track soothes with its majestic ambience and use of samples which ebb and flow to glorious effect. Nothing feels out of place, each sample thoughtfully placed. This is space music that's totally bereft of beats and therefore a much harder one to pull off.


Album opener 'Arecibo' sets the tone with powerful ambient passages that drift in and out before some characteristic acid samples add yet more depth. 'System' conjures thoughts of a distant star system (imho) and is highly atmospheric. 'Somewhere in Russia' is a beautiful and haunting ambient piece reminiscent of some of Global Communication's finest work before the slow-mo synthesizer sounds of 'Terpene'.


Track 5 'Inertia' blends environmental sounds and the gentle voice of Karin My Andersson adds an emotional charm to what sounds like drops of water gathering in some far off world. 'VLA' is an edit of a full length track also available through Ultimae for those of you wanting more. 'Kensington Gardens' creates a vivid picture with bird song and children playing in the background. Final track 'Held together by gravity' is a fitting number to end on. It leaves a powerful message for those of you willing to give it a chance.


Carbon Based Lifeforms took a bold step when they decided to make the album beatless. Their goal has always been to combine earth and space in their music. Here they have succeeded in both.


Album rating 9.3/10


Here's some CBL links below


Ultimae records website


CBL website


CBL on Soundcloud


CBL on discogs

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