When it comes to Chillout, a not too distant cousin of Ambient, the borders between what is deemed Chillout and its updated counterpart, Lounge, are virtually one and the same. And while a plethora of artists are constantly vying for the coveted prestige factor as well as repeated playability, Chillout has come a long way since the early-90s when I can remember buying various compilations featuring the likes of Enigma, Deep Forest, and B-Tribe, each of which started out in the Ambient realm but soon tried their respective hands in Lounge and Dance music.
My aural lobes haven't heard a good Lounge CD in what seems like ages. Therefore, when I was provided the opportunity to review Sweden's Jeff Bennett's Lounge Experience, my gut told me to go for it.
I'm glad that my gut did because Mr. Bennett's "Ancient Keys" is an eclectic array of both vocal—courtesy of Alexandra Hamnede, also a Swedish singer and songwriter—and vocal-less tracks that infuses a great wealth of depth and breadth, utilizing a bevy of instruments and various cultural and musical arrangements. This works because each track compliments the next and the melodies are fun rather than bombarding you with nonlinear, unforgettable elevator Muzak.
There were, of course, several standout tracks that resonated with me. The opening song, "Sympathy" introduces Alexandra Hamnede's silky, soothing vocals and is anything but sympathetic or a downer song. "Emerging Sights" is reminiscent of Robert Miles minus the driving BPMs. Several tracks, including "Imagine This" features an accordion, an instrument I thought was mostly reserved for Polkas (j/k).
Now with more and more bars devoting their coveted floor space in order to provide more of a club-like experience, if you can find a swanky locale that allows its patrons to play their own music then slip on Jeff Bennett's 69-minute "Chillout" Lounge 'experience'. Its well worth your valuable aural lobes and definitely something to be played the next time you just want to unwind by yourself or throw your own soiree.
