artist: Healer country of origin: Sweden style(s): Ambient trance, ambient, psychedelic essential releases: Wonderground (2000, Flying Rhino) Higher Grounds (2004, Candyflip Records)

Swedish composer Michael Andresen aka Healer produces exquisite, gently psychedelic ambient music that suggests a modern take on classic Berlin school instrumental artists ala Ashra and classic Tangerine Dream.

Comparisons with the masters of yore can be limiting, even if a few tracks into either of these albums it becomes clear that Healer is no brazen recycler. But the DNA is there, alright. Just check those rich synthetic chords and multi-coloured, steadily spinning loops of melody, right down to the whistling melotron-like phrases on "Three" from Higher Grounds. And, from the same album, the chugging, intense sequencer-driven groove of early Berlin ambient is channeled to perfection on "Art Of Translucency".

The key to this music's greatness is harmony; Healer really understands the power of building a track until we get a layering 2 or 3 melody lines at once. These are two essential albums of tone-colour ambience in the post-dance vein.

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