FOUNDATION HOPE THE FADED REVERIES ALBUM COLD MEAT INDUSTRY RELEASE: NOVEMBER 1, 2006 REVIEW: JANUARY 31, 2007

Ambient music can be both seductive and disturbing when it successfully incorporates disparate elements into the mix. On "The Faded Reveries" lulling drones and choral singing create a deceptive calm with a variety of crackling, rustling and clicking sounds making small ripples onto the still surface. These minuscule earthquakes keep you apprehensive without ever becoming actual noise.

Dutchman Joep Smaling has civilisation criticism on his agenda, but excepting the anti-hypocrisy quote by Bukowski and a sampled television preacher we are thankfully left to make our own interpretations of his instrumental music. Subtle and unnerving, "The Faded Reveries" is a decent enough effort but lacks the punch to make a truly lasting impression.

MATTIAS HUSS