Ambient Den – Self-Titled Debut | Progressive Rock Central.com

Ambient Den, is a progressive rock band from Australia. They released their self-titled debut album on July 28, of this year; on the Desert Comb Music label. The band was, as their PR release states, “Born from the uncertainty of lockdowns and the joy of spontaneous creation.”

Ambient Den is made up of three members: Ben Craven, who plays guitars, bass, and does the musical programming; Tim Bennetts who plays keyboards and sings vocals; and Dean Povey on vocals and drums. The album was also produced by Ben Craven.

The band’s self-titled debut album, Ambient Den, is “A cinematic concept record that tells the story of humanity’s search for a new home among the stars, culminating in the terraforming of a distant world.” Inspired by the great progressive rock bands of the 1970s, Ambient Den embraces the spirit of musicians creating music together in a studio.

The album opens with some cool, spacey orchestration and programming, on “Future History – Part 1.” Keyboards rock this one, until, soft nylon string sounding guitars, help usher in the heavier electric guitars, bass, and drums. This is a warm way to welcome us to their version of a space soundscape.

“For All Mankind,” is my favorite track on the album. It’s the lyrics that make this song so great, though the music is fantastic as well. They sing, “A little bit of fear helps us rise up in the morning. A little distrust keeps us following the harder path. The anticipation heightens all the senses. The bitter failure spurs us onward in the aftermath.” Then later, the key phrases for me, “Towards the moon to darkened skies. To other planets where our futures lie. A force for good, a force for ill. For all mankind we cannot be still.” As someone who lived through and saw the “Man on the Moon” landings and all of NASA’s many exploratory missions, this song is a great reminder of all that we did accomplish, when we all worked together to achieve greatness. Maybe someday we’ll do it again. The music opens with spacey syths and vivid other worlds orchestration, and bells. A wonder to behold, just like outer space. Every moment of this epic is worth your listening pleasure. There is a feeling for me, of 70s Pink Floyd meets Michael Rutherford’s ‘Mike and the Mechanics’ debut. Like maybe “Silent Running,” only slower. Terrific!

“Provenance,” on the other hand, is a powerful space instrumental. All band members get to show off their talents and you, the listener, are the beneficiary. They open sounding like Pink Floyd, and then surge into some heavy electric Gilmour – like guitar, coupled well with bass and drums. The keyboards are softer, but sweeter. Almost six minutes of electronic, symphonic, beauty.

“Earthrise,” opens with more wonderful, hopeful lyrics, “Delicate orb ascending in the night. Spheroid in bright azure and swirling white. Borders erase and conflicts disappear. Reflected within a fragile atmosphere.” The spacey keyboards, synths, and programming are wonderful. The guitar playing and soloing is well worth the price of admission. Simply some of the best guitar playing of this year. Yes, Ambient Den’s debut album should be benchmarked high on most every progressive media mags ‘album of the year’ list.

“Terraforming,” is an over 16-minute space instrumental, that opens with bold piano, as many of the best epics do. Then, golden sunshine, nylon soft guitar. Yes, magic in the morning, as a new terraform world takes shape. Then, the drums and electric guitar join in, with that familiar Pink Floyd, 1-2-3 cadence. More “Dark side of the Moon” like keyboards. Absolutely wonderful. Then, some Genesis-era Tony Banks synths. Thank you for that surprise. The innovations that used to be the hallmark of Ayreon’s albums, are heard within this space and time. Now, Ambient Den just have to create some expansive stories out in space, and they will be there.

“Future History – Part 2,” opens with a bouncy feel to the music, led by bass chords. This song outlines the future possibilities for mankind, set to a jazzier, bouncier, beat and sound, that seems to include horn sounds. They sing, “Aimlessly drifting through infinite expanse. Feel the cosmic forces gathering. Celestial magic, mystic circumstance. It’s no ordinary happening. Let them think what they will. We’ve got a whole blank starscape to fill. It’s made for you and me. Our future history.” Yeah, you said it. This album captures that feeling we have all missed in modern music. Thank you, Ambient Den.,

Bonus Tracks:

Each of the bonus songs are single edit versions of the original songs off the album. They sound a little different and were added to round out the album and give listeners and album purchasers some alternative versions of the songs, highlighted by interpretations that existed before the band edited and chose an album version. These tracks also display the band’s ability to alter their creations, adding bonus interpretations to the sound. Single versions of “For All Mankind (Single Edit),” “Terraforming (Single Edit),” and “Future History – Part 2 (Single Edit),” are included.

Ambient Den’s debut album will rock many a Pink Floyd and Genesis fan’s world. They will be drawn to this album, like mice to cheese. Ambient Den created 6 terrific tracks with enough dynamic innovation to make you sit up straight and scream for more. The reminders are all there, but this is something original and new. Put Ambient Den on your list of bands to follow. I am working on setting up an interview with them, so that we can talk about this magnificent sounding debut. Do not miss Ambient Den’s debut album this year, when it is fresh and new. Jump aboard the command module, and prepare to soar forward and catch the re-birth of the magical sound of Ayreon, this time made in Australia. Already looking forward to the next one, while I appreciate Ambient Den’s unbelievable premier showcase.

Album Track List: