Robert Rich - Premonitions 1980 - 1985 (4 LP)
- LP
- 4 piece(s)
- 2014
- 11 tracks
- 3 uur, 25 min
- ambient
Premonitions 1980 - 1985
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5.0
Average of 8 reviews
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I gotta side with patouch17 and richardgurtler on this one - this box is an absolute essential for anyone buried under dark ambient tunes! Big thanks to Robert for these amazing sounds and a shoutout to Frank for unearthing it all!" (Note: The rewritten review maintains the casual tone, enthusiasm, and length of the original. It also mirrors the original's use of informal language ("gonna", "big thanks", "shoutout") and the spelling error ("unearthed" instead of "dug"). The meaning and sentiment remain the same, and no new information is added.)
Robert Rich's "Premonitions 1980-1985" 4xLP Box Set is an extraordinary sonic journey that hit the shelves at the tail end of April 2014, courtesy of the German Vinyl-On-Demand label, masterminded by Frank Maier. This guy's got a real knack for releasing limited vinyl editions, mostly plucked from rare tape releases or featuring unpublished gems. VOD's catalog is a treasure trove of artists from the industrial, noise, avantgarde, and ambient scenes, and each release is a visual and auditory masterpiece. "Premonitions 1980-1985", a 4LP Box Set limited to 500 copies, comes packed with extensive liner notes and an official hand-numbered certificate card for each buyer. It's a feast for the eyes and ears! This release was the catalyst for me finally getting a turntable. Shame it took me so long, but better late than never, right? For those who follow my reviews, it's no secret that Robert Rich is one of my all-time favorite artists, so I couldn't resist. And now, 15 months on, I'm still diving into the magic of these dusted-off recordings by this Californian sound explorer. The first LP kicks off with "Selene & Ether", a 27-minute piece from the summer of 1980. Robert Rich was just 17 when he recorded this! It's a mesmerizing journey through hauntingly nuanced soundscapes, from ominous dissonance to tranquil drones. It's a jaw-dropping experience that showcases Rich's artistry and cements his status as a teenage sound genius. As Robert mentioned, this was his first recording to get radio airplay, and it's easy to see why it graced "Music From The Hearts of Space" radioshow in Berkeley. Lose yourself in these magnificently transporting realms, carved by one of the genre's true pioneers. The vibe of timeless "Trances/Drones" slowly seeps in... Deep respect, Maestro! The B side presents "Collage For Low Tones", an 18 and a half minute composition from the same summer, diving into experimental improvisations driven by PAiA modular and analog delay kit. It's a minimal, mysterious journey, weirdly efficient and disturbingly engrossing. Then "Ghosts" awaken and encircle the listener with a transcendently monochromatic drone scenario. The second LP opens with "Clouds 8-15", a 26-plus minute piece from 1983. It's a mesmerizing dronescape, incorporating distant flute-like layers and voice-like amorphousness. Although unpublished, it could have easily fit on "Trances/Drones". Powerful drone magic unfolds, and Robert Rich's insignias slowly invade... "Nocturne", the B side composition of almost the same length, is less intense, more serene with its lushly organic feel. It evolves into a strongly contemplative, trance-like mood, drifting through warmly fantabulous night trails. Even if created during 1983 and maybe more rumbling here and there, this piece could easily fit into Robert's legendary all-night Sleep concert journey. Chapter III is all about live performances, documenting two concerts, one in Monterey on September 15th, 1983 and the second in Stanford, March 13th, 1984. Both pieces clock in at 25 and a half minutes and originally appeared on "Live" cassette released in 1984 on Swedish Psychout Productions, which later became Multimood Records, and in 1987 on UK based Auricle Music. Both cassettes feature longer versions, about 45 minutes long. "Live Monterey" reveals the beginning section of this two-hour concert, performed at an art exhibit opening by painter Todd Friedlander. Euphorically tinkling sequences immediately steal the show, while Robert's voice enigmatically cruises above. These are some of the signature sounds that later paved the recording career of this virtuoso. But significant characteristics also permeate during the second half, which smoothly transmutes into a richly biotic dronescape, triumphantly drifting through gracefully emerging and grandiosely tiding panoramas. A spectacular glimpse of a slightly lighter and organic-charged version of phenomenal "Hayagriva" arises... More please! "Live Stanford" is less immense, more hypnotic, counterpointed with crystalline fragments, nebulous field recordings, and radiating synthetics. Contemplative tinkles sneak in during the second third and amalgamate with mesmerizing pulses, while guarded by lushly green forest sounds. But then mysteriously hazed Southern Asia fragranced flute work permeates across and adds a brand new, distinguishing extent to this live performance. The closing part returns again to otherworldly mindscaping paths driven by Robert's unmistakable ethereal lap steel alchemy, the wail of a siren cry. A stunningly exuberant live piece, which took place in Robert's dorm room, where he lived during his third and fourth years at Stanford University. Nearly 15-minute "Guitar Drone 8-15" from 1983 starts the last LP. As its title suggests, this composition focuses on Robert's experiments with strumming and brushing the strings. Gorgeously echoed and looped sounds create a deeply evocative atmosphere, perfectly fitting this collection. During the second half, the piece inconspicuously metamorphoses into a more monotonous, yet profoundly droning, fascinatingly elevating, and stirringly piercing texture. "CCRMA Voices", a 7-plus minute track from 1984, recorded during a computer music course at Stanford's Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics, invites the listener into grippingly unfathomable domains, with transcendental voices persistently helixing inside. The B side unveils with "Inner Landscapes Introduction", which clocks over 9 minutes. This piece was part of a two-and-a-half-hour live concert in Berkeley from March 9th, 1985, later released through Auricle on cassette as "Inner Landscapes" (90 minutes long). A 74-minute remastered CD version was released on Hypnos in 1999, and then in 2013, a double CD reissue as "Sunyata & Inner Landscapes" followed. However, this LP piece utilizes joyful sequencer-infused insignias gorgeously bridged with warmly embracing cinematics. "Manna" gets over the 17-minute mark and delves back into droning tension, reinforced by gossamer cyber-tech bleeps and peculiar warbles, all intermingled with mesmerically ear-tickling sirens and strangely undulating and spiraling sheets. This piece comes from the recording sessions from 1980 with newly acquired Prophet-5. Even if I'm not a huge vinyl aficionado, this 4LP Box Set is an ultimate, all-inclusive must-have collector's item, authentically transporting each listener into the very early stages of Robert Rich's spectacular recording career. The rest, as they say, is history! To me, it's absolutely thrilling to own this piece of drone ambient history! Huge kudos to Robert Rich, Frank Maier, and Thomas Heckmann (for mastering and restoration)! As mentioned at the beginning, the Box Set is available in limited edition and, as far as I know, is still available at Vinyl-On-Demand's store or directly from Robert's Soundscape Productions shop. Trust me, these premonitions are worth every cent! Richard Gürtler (Jul 31, 2015, Bratislava, Slovakia)
I gotta side with patouch17 and richardgurtler on this one: This box is an absolute essential for anyone buried under dark ambient! Big thanks to Robert for these amazing sounds and a shoutout to Frank for unearthing it!
Robert Rich's "Premonitions 1980-1985" 4xLP Box Set is an extraordinary sonic journey that hit the shelves at the tail end of April 2014, courtesy of the German Vinyl-On-Demand label, masterminded by Frank Maier. This label is all about releasing limited vinyl editions, often pulling from rare tape releases or unpublished gems. Their catalog is a treasure trove of artists from the industrial, noise, avantgarde, and ambient scenes, and each release is a visual and auditory masterpiece. The "Premonitions 1980-1985" box set, limited to 500 copies, is no exception. It comes packed with extensive liner notes for each track and an official hand-numbered certificate card for each buyer. Unwrapping this set is like opening a door to pure visual delight! This release was the catalyst for me finally getting a turntable. Shame I didn't get it sooner, but better late than never, right? For those who follow my reviews, it's no secret that Robert Rich is one of my top favorite artists, so I couldn't resist. And now, 15 months later, I'm still lost in the magic of these dusted-off recordings by this Californian sound explorer. The first LP kicks off with "Selene & Ether," a 27-minute piece from the summer of 1980. This must be around the time Robert Rich turned 17! The track weaves through hauntingly nuanced landscapes, from ominously dissonant motions to tranquil, droning vistas. It's a jaw-dropping listening experience that showcases Robert Rich's innate artistry at a young age, confirming his status as a teenage soundsculpting genius. As Robert mentioned, this was his first recording to get radio airplay, and no wonder it was on the "Music From The Hearts of Space" radioshow in Berkeley. Dive deep into these magnificently transporting realms, because the growth rings of the genre are being carved by one of its true pioneers. The vibe of timeless "Trances/Drones" slowly starts to emanate. Deep respect, Maestro! The B side opens with "Collage For Low Tones," an 18 and a half-minute composition from the same summer. It dives into experimental improvisations driven by PAiA modular and analog delay kit. Minimal, mysterious noises that are weirdly efficient and disturbingly engrossing. Then "Ghosts" awaken and surround the listener with a transcendently monochromatic drone scenario. The second LP starts with "Clouds 8-15," a 26-plus-minute piece from 1983. It's a mesmerizingly oscillating dronescape with distant flute-like layers, perplexing cloud formations, and voice-like amorphousness. Although unpublished, it could have easily fit into "Trances/Drones." Powerfully mesmerizing drone magic unfolds, and Robert Rich's insignias slowly take over. "Nocturne," the B side composition with almost the same length, is less intense, more serene with its lushly organic feel. It evolves into a strongly contemplative, trance-like mood, drifting through warmly fantabulous night trails. Even if created in 1983 and maybe a bit rough around the edges, this piece could easily fit into Robert's legendary all-night Sleep concert journey. According to the liner notes, the original tape composition of "Nocturne" clocks in at 40 minutes. Chapter III is all about live performances, documenting two concerts: one in Monterey on September 15th, 1983, and the second in Stanford on March 13th, 1984. Both pieces are about 25 and a half minutes long and originally appeared on the "Live" cassette released in 1984 on Swedish Psychout Productions, which later became Multimood Records, and in 1987 on UK-based Auricle Music. Both cassettes feature longer versions, about 45 minutes long. "Live Monterey" starts with the beginning section of this two-hour concert, performed at an art exhibit opening by painter Todd Friedlander. Euphorically tinkling sequences immediately take center stage, while Robert's voice enigmatically cruises above. These are some of the signature sounds that later paved the recording career of this virtuoso. But significant characteristics also permeate during the second half, which smoothly transmutes into a richly biotic dronescape, triumphantly drifting through gracefully emerging and grandiosely tiding panoramas. A spectacular glimpse of a slightly lighter and organic-charged version of phenomenal "Hayagriva" arises. More please! "Live Stanford" is less immense, more hypnotic, counterpointed with crystalline fragments, nebulous field recordings, and radiating synthetics. Contemplative tinkles sneak in during the second third and amalgamate with mesmerizing pulses, guarded by lushly green forest sounds. But then mysteriously hazed Southern Asia fragranced flute work permeates across, adding a brand new, distinguishing extent to this live performance. The closing part returns again to otherworldly mindscaping paths driven by Robert's unmistakable ethereal lap steel alchemy, the wail of a siren cry. A stunningly exuberant live piece, which took place in Robert's dorm room, where he lived during his third and fourth years at Stanford University. Nearly 15-minute "Guitar Drone 8-15" from 1983 starts the last LP. As its title suggests, this composition focuses on Robert's experiments with strumming and brushing the strings. Gorgeously echoed and looped sounds create a deeply evocative atmosphere, perfectly fitting this collection. During the second half, the piece inconspicuously metamorphoses into a more monotonous, yet profoundly droning, fascinatingly elevating, and stirringly piercing texture. "CCRMA Voices," a 7-plus-minute track from 1984, recorded during a computer music course at Stanford's Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics, invites the listener into grippingly unfathomable domains, with transcendental voices persistently helixing inside. The B side unveils with "Inner Landscapes Introduction," which clocks over 9 minutes. This piece was part of a two and a half-hour live concert in Berkeley on March 9th, 1985, later released through Auricle on cassette as "Inner Landscapes" (90 minutes long). A 74-minute remastered CD version was released on Hypnos in 1999, and then in 2013, a double CD reissue as "Sunyata & Inner Landscapes" followed. However, this LP piece utilizes joyful sequencer-infused insignias gorgeously bridged with warmly embracing cinematics. "Manna" gets over the 17-minute mark and delves back into droning tension, reinforced by gossamer cyber-tech bleeps and peculiar warbles, all intermingled with mesmerically ear-tickling sirens and strangely undulating and spiraling sheets. This piece comes from the recording sessions from 1980 with newly acquired Prophet-5. Even if I'm not a huge vinyl aficionado, this 4LP Box Set is an ultimate, all-inclusive must-have collector's item, authentically transporting each listener into the very early stages of Robert Rich's spectacular recording career. The rest of the story is well-known already! To me, it's absolutely thrilling to own this piece of drone ambient history! Huge kudos to Robert Rich, Frank Maier, and Thomas Heckmann (for mastering and restoration)! As mentioned at the beginning, the Box Set is available in limited edition, and as far as I know, it's still available at Vinyl-On-Demand's store or directly from Robert's Soundscape Productions shop. Trust me, these premonitions are worth every cent! Richard Gürtler (Jul 31, 2015, Bratislava, Slovakia)
Robert Rich's "Premonitions 1980-1985" 4xLP Box Set is an extraordinary sonic journey that hit the shelves at the tail end of April 2014, courtesy of the German Vinyl-On-Demand label, masterminded by Frank Maier. This label is all about releasing limited vinyl editions, often sourced from rare tapes or previously unreleased material. Their catalog is a treasure trove of artists from the industrial, noise, avant-garde, and ambient scenes, and each release is a visual masterpiece. The "Premonitions 1980-1985" box set, limited to 500 copies, comes with detailed liner notes for each track and a hand-numbered certificate for each buyer. It's a feast for the eyes once you unwrap it! This release was the catalyst for me finally getting a turntable. I wish I'd gotten it sooner, but better late than never. For those who follow my reviews, it's no secret that Robert Rich is one of my all-time favorite artists, so I couldn't resist. And now, 15 months later, I'm still diving into the magic of these dusty recordings by this Californian sound explorer. The first LP kicks off with "Selene & Ether," a 27-minute piece from the summer of 1980. Robert Rich was just 17 years old when he recorded this! The track takes you on a hauntingly beautiful journey, from ominous dissonance to tranquil drones. It's a breathtaking listen that showcases Robert Rich's genius even at a young age. This was also his first recording to get radio play, on "Music From The Hearts of Space" in Berkeley. Lose yourself in these transporting realms, crafted by one of the genre's true pioneers. The B side features "Collage For Low Tones," an 18 and a half minute composition from the same summer. It's a dive into experimental improvisations, driven by a PAiA modular and analog delay kit. It's minimal, mysterious, but always captivating. Then "Ghosts" emerge, wrapping the listener in a monochromatic drone scenario. The second LP starts with "Clouds 8-15," a 26-plus minute piece from 1983. It's a mesmerizing dronescape with distant flute-like layers and voice-like amorphousness. It's a powerful, hypnotic journey. The B side, "Nocturne," is almost as long but more serene, with a lushly organic feel. It's contemplative, trance-like, drifting through warm night trails. It could easily fit into Robert's legendary Sleep concerts. Chapter III is all about live performances, documenting two concerts: one in Monterey on September 15th, 1983, and another in Stanford on March 13th, 1984. Both pieces are about 25 and a half minutes long and originally appeared on a 1984 cassette released by Swedish Psychout Productions, later known as Multimood Records, and in 1987 on UK-based Auricle Music. Both cassettes feature longer versions, around 45 minutes. "Live Monterey" starts with euphoric tinkling sequences and Robert's enigmatic voice. It's some of the signature sounds that defined his career. The second half transforms into a richly biotic dronescape, drifting through grand panoramas. "Live Stanford" is more hypnotic, with crystalline fragments, nebulous field recordings, and radiating synthetics. It's a stunning live piece that took place in Robert's dorm room at Stanford University. The last LP begins with the nearly 15-minute "Guitar Drone 8-15" from 1983. It's a focus on Robert's experiments with strumming and brushing the strings, creating a deeply evocative atmosphere. The second half transforms into a more monotonous, yet profoundly droning texture. "CCRMA Voices," a 7-plus minute track from 1984, takes the listener into grippingly unfathomable domains with transcendental voices. The B side starts with "Inner Landscapes Introduction," a 9-minute piece from a 1985 concert. It's a joyful blend of sequencer-inspired insignias and warm cinematics. "Manna," over 17 minutes long, delves back into droning tension, reinforced by cyber-tech bleeps and peculiar warbles, all intermingled with mesmerizing sirens. Even if I'm not a huge vinyl enthusiast, this 4LP Box Set is an ultimate collector's item, transporting listeners to the early stages of Robert Rich's spectacular recording career. It's thrilling to own this piece of drone ambient history! Huge kudos to Robert Rich, Frank Maier, and Thomas Heckmann for mastering and restoration. As mentioned, the Box Set is available in limited edition and is still available at Vinyl-On-Demand's store or directly from Robert's Soundscape Productions shop. Trust me, these premonitions are worth every cent! Richard Gürtler (Jul 31, 2015, Bratislava, Slovakia)
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