Mortal Loom Alchemy Through Dreams CD

To those who haven't acquired a taste for electronic club music, a technology-based recording might sound like it consists of nothing but a beat (techno, jungle, acid house) or nothing more than a mood (ambient, trance, trip-hop). It's a question of what one does and doesn't comprehend -- however much artistic value an electronic recording might have, there are bound to be those who simply don't understand what they're listening to. Alchemy Through Dreams probably won't win over those who have a hard time understanding electronic music, but those who do understand it will find Mortal Loom's brand of electronica/ambient music rewarding and quite musical. While Mortal Loom maintains a haunting mood throughout this mostly instrumental CD, this album isn't one-dimensional or predictable. Depending on what's appropriate on a particular piece, the American group can incorporate anything from trip-hop, trance, and new age to world music and jazz. "Sorry...," in fact, hints at Tutu-era Miles Davis. The disc ends on a surprising note with its only non-instrumental: an ethereal interpretation of the pop standard "Dream a Little Dream of Me," which features singer Judy July. That standard is the last thing one expects to hear at the end of such a futuristic CD. Again, Alchemy Through Dreams is unlikely to convert anyone who insists that he/she doesn't care for electronica, but those who are open to electronic sounds will find a lot to admire about this release. ~ Alex Henderson

ALCHEMY THROUGH DREAMS is a unique ethereal ambient crossover of New Age/Electronica, Trip Hop, Tribal rhythms and Gothic elements.Mortal Loom's sound was developed over 10 years; this process included traveling around the world, listening to the environment, and sampling unusual organic sounds.Creating custom instrumentation is the root of Mortal Loom's style, resulting in this dreamy music that deserves repeated listening.Mortal Loom want, according to founding member Frederick Troy, to "touch people spiritually and open their minds to a journey that is kind to the soul, but at the same time mysterious and enchanting."Special guests include Norman Mayell of the historic 60's San Francisco band, Sopwith Camel, and vocalist Judy July.MORTAL LOOM parallels the traditions of successful Euro-US artists like Chris & Cosey, This Mortal Coil, David Sylvian, Dead Can Dance and Tangerine Dream.Comprised of a guild of international alchemical musicians, dreamers and visionaries, Mortal Loom have produced and remixed music over the last 15 years for many major labels and artists, and DJ'd extensively around the world.

Audio Remixer: Frederick Troy.

Arranger: Mortal Loom.

Mortal Loom: Judy July (vocals); Frederick Troy (guitar, piano, keyboards, programming, samples); Norman Mayell (keyboards, drums, programming); Adrian Quay (keyboards, programming); L.F. Gray (keyboards, samples); Barnette Travisono (percussion).

Personnel: Frederick Troy (guitar, piano, keyboards, drums, programming, sampler); Norman Mayell (keyboards, drums, programming); Adrian Quay (keyboards, programming); L.F. Gray (keyboards, sampler).