Through the Rings is deep ambient space music disguised as Berlin school electronica. VoLt – Michael Shipway and Steve Smith – improvised these four pieces during live studio recording sessions and they assure listeners that “no synthesizers were harmed during the making of this album.” The set begins with a definite Berlin school piece. It is light and airy with gentle sequences. As ”Journey to the Rim” fades, ”Dark Entrance” unfolds with some ultra-cool experimental sounds, deep drones and vast atmospheres. There are sequences but they are stretched out and compliment the ambient elements. ”Through the Rings” and ”Soaring Beneath the Surface” continue the deep space adventure with expansive atmospheres that border on minimalism. This disc is, indeed, an essential ambient treasure.
