A UNIQUE RESPONSE to the massive political, social, and environmental upheaval happening around the globe has been the resurgence of music’s tranquil side. New age sounds are back in vogue, thanks to labels like RVNG and Leaving Records. There’s been a swell of ambient music arriving from all corners of the electronic music map, including a new album by one of the most prolific and consistent artists in the game, the Orb.
“There seems to be some kind of collective thing going on,” remarks Alex Paterson, the co-founder and sole original member that’s still active in this long-evolving project. “We’re all very much trying to chill the world out at the moment.”
That is, in fact, the direct plea of the English group’s 14th studio album, COW/Chill Out World! (“I think the acronym is better than the other title. Bit of the old moo,” Paterson cracks.) Recorded in the abbreviated time frame of about six months, the record is as strong as anything the Orb has created in its nearly 30-year history. The mood is as enveloping and untouchable as a fog bank, with field-recorded sounds, oddball samples, and gently undulating beats combining to evoke the blissful tang of a contact high.