artist: Dr Atmo & Ramin country of origin: Germany style(s): Ethno-ambient, environmental essential releases: Sad World 1 (1993, Fax Records) Sad World 2 (1994, Fax Records)

Ethno-ambient doesn't get any more potent than Sad World, a recording project pooling the talents of German DJ/composer Dr. Atmo (real name Amir Abadi) and an enigmatic collaborator who goes only by the name of Ramin. Among the many releases appearing on the extremely prolific Fax Records since 1992 these two albums rank among the very best the label has released.

The tracks "Apadana" and "Terasury" which bookend Sad World 1 are the high points, based around Third World-style vocal swells with a deep, aching beauty that will just wipe you out. The vocals are set against a backdrop of haunting electronic drones and anchored by a slow, incredibly hypnotic percussion loop. These two tracks represent a meeting of Eastern music and contemporary electronica that's every bit as refined as David Parsons or Michael Brook. Elsewhere on these albums you'll hear strange spoken voice monologues and long drone-based synth excursions sprinkled with global exotica. There's even a bizarre meeting of classical music, Mid-Eastern dance and Oldfield-style choral chants called "Kirkuck". The latter is a reassuring sign that Atmo and Ramin are not content to simply find a groove and stick to it. Atmo also released the excellent Music To Films (1994) with Oliver Lieb and several classic albums with Pete Namlook.

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