Cloud Physics Experiment - Aurora

​Cloud Physics Experiment

Aurora
self-released; 2024

​​By ​Dino DiMuro

The intriguingly named Cloud Physics Experiment is a project helmed by guitarist Mark Earll from the UK. He boasts several releases on Bandcamp, with his newest album titled Aurora.

Earll describes this album as "ambient and meditative electronic music, mainly created using ambient guitar and guitar synthesizers." His goal is to induce a trance-like state in the listener by employing soundscapes and repetitive sequences. The music is almost totally improvised and has been inspired by luminaries such as Tangerine Dream, Jean-Michel Jarre, Vangelis, Ozrics, and Psy-Trance. As a guitarist, Earll cites Jeff Beck, Steve Hillage, Steve Howe, Robert Fripp, and Allan Holdsworth as his heroes. In addition to his recording output, Earll performs live at festivals and gigs across England.

Earll recorded at his home studio using Logic X and a Tascam 24 desk. His guitar was routed through Boss GR55 and SY1000 MIDI guitar synths, while his keyboards include Korg Monologue, Wavestate, and Kross 2.

The opening track, "Aurora Borealis," adopts the rhythm of a swift walking gait. Backing melodies are constructed from intriguing "beeping patterns," atop which acoustic piano chords and plaintive Moog-like melodies soar. The influence of Jean-Michel Jarre and Tangerine Dream is palpable, with gradual musical changes over the track's seven-minute duration conducive to inducing a trance state. Towards the end, a churchly organ replaces the piano, adding a transcendent touch.

"Coronal Mass Ejection," the second track, bears a slightly ominous title. It shares a similar beat and arrangement with the first track but introduces backing synths in a cyclical, slightly phasing pattern reminiscent of a tunnel of musical clusters. The synth drums and melodies echo the classic "Midnight Express" theme by Giorgio Moroder, with fleeting hints of Genesis and possible nods to the melody of "Eleanor Rigby." The lead synth guitar solo, so artfully compressed and lovely, initially masquerades as a keyboard.

For "Noctilucent Cloud," Earll eschews beats entirely, focusing instead on mood-building with "clouds" of sound, predominantly composed of higher-end, trilling chords. While not identical, the overall ambiance brings to mind Eno's track three from "Discreet Music," with a visual representation akin to a slow-motion sunrise punctuated by occasional birdsong or chirp. The concluding track, "Aurora Australis," stretches over 13 minutes. It begins with an epic opening featuring wind-like synths and roiling cloud tones, gradually introducing bass-like pulses reminiscent of Mordor in Middle Earth. A distinct disco pulse emerges, accompanied by sporadic Didgeridoo-like sounds. Approximately three minutes in, a melodic statement emerges, once again showcasing Earll's mastery of the higher spectrum of the guitar synth. Earll improvises freely on the synth guitar for the remainder of the track's running time.

​Electronic music in the '80s style is experiencing a renaissance, and if you're one of those listeners, you'll find much to appreciate here. Check it out!

Become A Fan

Tweet