Ambient Den
Desert Comb, 2025
8/10
An Australian trio who take inspiration from the ‘70s, Ben Craven, Tim Bennetts and Dean Povey, i.e. Ambient Den, pen a cinematic concept album with this debut.
“Future History Part 1” opens with a soft ambience of exploratory qualities and cozy guitar from Craven, and “For All Mankind” follows with Bennetts’ buzzing synth before Povey’s thumping drums enter the melodic prog-rock.
“Terraforming” occupies the middle spot and uses mature piano from Bennetts’ amid the heartfelt acoustic guitar as dense waves enter the sonically expressive rock, while “Future History Part 2” recruits playful funk fun and soulful singing that’s got grooves and will get you on the dance floor.
The last 4 tracks are bonus material and serve as ‘single edits’ of earlier songs. “Earthrise” offers pretty textures surrounding the lush and dynamic interaction between the trio, and “Terraforming” is more concise version that showcases Craven’s meticulous guitar, Povey’s agile drumming and Bennetts’ multi-faceted key prowess.
All 3 members sing, and their combined talents create an excellent first album of space rock that’s not short on atmosphere, storytelling and layering.
Travels well with: Mihrax- Rox; Nicolas de Renty- Retovr av Bercail