Robert Scott Thompson - Aether (2018/1998)

AETHER is over 70 minutes in duration and contains 13 tracks. The music, while entirely instrumental, blends contemporary pop and alternative styles with ambient and avant-garde music sensibilities. AETHER presents instrumental music very much in keeping with the style of avant-garde pop/vocal music that can be found on some of Thompson’s other recordings such as "Kissing the Emptiness."

Fans of Bowie, Bryan Ferry, Dead Can Dance, Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel and similar artists will find much to admire on this disc. The music ranges from the neo-Gothic polyrhythmic "Evening Star" to the crisp electronica of "Atmosphere" to the sublime melodies of "Antrim." AETHER will find a significant place among the new-age, ambient and contemporary instrumental CDs of note.

Newly re-mastered in 2007 in updated packaging.

"The result is a uniquely individual disc including some of Thompson’s most innovative and compelling music. Robert has always been a risk taker, willing to push the limits and defy convention. This CD does all of that and then some.” - Jim Brenholts

"Aether" is an experimental ambient album from the creative genius of Robert Scott Thompson. Robert uses a wide band of influences on this album from subtle rhythms to sequenced soundscapes. Robert has always been a risk taker, willing to push the limits and defy convention. This CD does all of that and then some. The best quality of Robert's risks is that they work! He holds it all together with his technical wizardry. This is a wonderful set from Professor Thompson! - Jim Brenholts

A collection of beautiful electronica, Aether was awarded "Best Progressive Instrumental Album of 1998" (the same year Robert was honored for the ambient masterpiece, Frontier) by Wind and Wire Magazine. This disc has also garnered other significant accolades. Yet, the album remains relatively unknown in both broadcast and review - even though it has graced many "best of" and "top airplay" lists.

Many reviewers, not knowing which stylistic box to put this imaginative recording into, have labeled it New Age. Yet, this is not typical New Age music in the slightest. Aether has more of an affinity to other genres such as experimental, electronic pop, electronica and classical music.

Aether provides a very satisfying listening experience and is exceedingly well crafted and superbly recorded. This disc will make a wonderful addition to any serious collector's library of innovative new music.
credits
released June