Alchemy Through Dreams (European Limited Release)

To those who haven't acquired a taste for electronic club music, a technology-based recording might sound like it consists of nothing but a beat (techno, jungle, acid house) or nothing more than a mood (ambient, trance, trip-hop). It's a question of what one does and doesn't comprehend — however much artistic value an electronic recording might have, there are bound to be those who simply don't understand what they're listening to. Alchemy Through Dreams probably won't win over those who have a hard time understanding electronic music, but those who do understand it will find Mortal Loom's brand of electronica/ambient music rewarding and quite musical. While Mortal Loom maintains a haunting mood throughout this mostly instrumental CD, this album isn't one-dimensional or predictable. Depending on what's appropriate on a particular piece, the American group can incorporate anything from trip-hop, trance, and new age to world music and jazz. "Sorry...," in fact, hints at Tutu-era Miles Davis. The disc ends on a surprising note with its only non-instrumental: an ethereal interpretation of the pop standard "Dream a Little Dream of Me," which features singer Judy July. That standard is the last thing one expects to hear at the end of such a futuristic CD. Again, Alchemy Through Dreams is unlikely to convert anyone who insists that he/she doesn't care for electronica, but those who are open to electronic sounds will find a lot to admire about this release.