Muze Inc.
2004

ALTERNATE REALITIES
Richard Bone

      This 2003 release by Richard Bone finds the electronica artist combining his penchant for programmed beats, Far Eastern melodies, and his ambient stylings with a new, accomplished flair. That Bone's albums can be meditative, challenging, accessible, groovy, and eclectic will come as no surprise to fans, but ALTERNATE REALITIES blends these qualities with notable success. ALTERNATE REALITIES is not an album of all-new original work, however, but a collection of rare, unreleased, and alternate tracks from Bone's backlog.The disc is quite cohesive in feel, leaning more toward Bone's skill with evocative textures ("Ariel Dane & the Seraphim Swing") and lushly painted soundscapes ("Cava Negra"). Here and there Bone still dips into jazz ("New Guru in Town") and soul-tinged jams ("The House That Cugat Built"), but primarily this set showcases his ear for lovely floating melodies and their rhythmic application ("Sephira Pearl"). While listeners seeking beat-less ambient should seek out his excellent release TALES FROM THE INCANTINA, ALTERNATE REALITIES faithfully represents the artist's greatest strengths.

2004 Muze Inc.