artist: Kerry Leimer country of origin: USA style(s): Ambient, environmental, avant-garde, process music essential releases: Statistical Truth (2004, Palace Of Lights) The Useless Lesson (2007, Palace Of Lights)

In between doing his long-running and well-regarded graphic design work for corporations, American composer Kerry Leimer has sporadically recorded and released ambient music since the early 1980's. New albums have appeared more frequently since 2000 and the best of these are striking examples of ambient music that's both experimental and accessible. They celebrate tonality while still being informed by his "academic" approach to composition and the spirit of the classical avant-garde.

Statistical Truth is drone music of sorts, and more. It's an absorbing and beautiful record with faint echoes of Fripp and Eno's tape-loop music in places; the luminous glow of Harold Budd or the cinematic menace of Woob in others; and strongly personal touch that makes him fundamentally different from all of those artists. Various synths (including the wonderful Minimoog) and processing units are the foundation of these 11 tracks with minor contributions from piano, electric bass and guitar. Drum patterns are effectively used on two tracks but even if they weren't there the album's ghostly chords, euphoric glides and dark passages never lack momentum. If you care to read about Leimer's working processes, systems and conceptual ideas via his website then the album has an added academic appeal, if that level of detail floats your boat. Otherwise you'll be happy to revel in the mystery of music that engages and intrigues and tugs at the subconscious without wanting to know what it all means.

The Useless Lesson is bathed in ravishing neo-classical sounds, a kind of ambient chamber music bridged by droning synth passages, luminous atmospheric loops and some minimalist, bubbling melodies. The album's title comes from a concept that's not entirely clear - learning as a wasteful exercise, illogical choices or something - but good luck to you if that enriches your experience. Either way, the album is a dignified, beautiful work of art that can be appreciated on a number of levels.

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