artist: Diatonis country of origin: USA style(s): Ambient, environmental essential releases: Ambient Life (2003, Diatonis Music)

Fans of Brian Eno's more melodic ambient works should find this outstanding 3-CD set a delight from start to finish. Correct me if I'm wrong but since the turn of the century not many albums in this tonal style have been getting released; dark ambient dominates. Unlike much of the environmental ambience coming from North America in recent years, American composer Stuart White aka Diatonis has fashioned an ambient album that's neither overly dark nor tuneless. This is minimal, fragile impressionism, ethereal but tonal, too, in the classic old-school tradition.

Two years in the making, Ambient Life is the clear winner among a handful of Diatonis albums released to date. The defining sound is reverberating and slightly washed-out sounds from electric guitar and various keyboards coupled with found sounds, subtle environmental and vocal effects. Each disc has a different theme. Disc 1 is impressions of mostly man-made environments like "Ghost Town" and "Winding Road". Disc 2 is sonic pictures from the natural world ("Light Rain"). Disc 3 enters the realms of fantasy environments and string-laden electronic ambient, and although there's slightly suspect new age titles like "Spiritus Helios" the music itself is sublime. All up this is intelligent, spacious, accessible music and excellent value for a 3-CD set.

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