Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
The outfit known as Rambient makes a great case for opposites attracting. It’s the kind of collaboration that, on paper, shouldn’t work: Harry Gregson-Williams is a classically trained film composer, while Peter DiStefano is an alternative rock guitarist. This collision of diverse musical talent is exemplified by the duo’s debut – immergent Records release So Many Worlds.
DiStefano, whose resume includes the straight-ahead sounds of Bottlerocket and edgy alt-rock band Porno for Pyros, was eager to expand his musical talents beyond the confines of guitar-centric “rawk.” Gregson-Williams, whose credits include Armageddon, Enemy of the State, Chicken Run and the Steven Spielberg movie, Shrek, wanted to create music that wasn't determined by the action flickering on the screen.
The project’s origins actually predate Gregson-Williams’ involvement. DiStefano had written "Power" as a bit of musical therapy after surviving both drug addiction and cancer. “The song is about having the power to overcome both of them. It was inspired from the decision to break-away from Porno for Pyros and do something more healthy," he recalls.
DiStefano played the song for Gregson-Williams in 1997, and the pair decided to collaborate on an album. They began recording tracks in Gregson-Williams’ film-music studio in Santa Monica that year. Working in fits and starts, with long breaks for both artists’ respective successful careers, they completed the album earlier this year. For Peter DiStefano and Harry Gregson-Williams So Many Worlds is a breath of fresh air, a project based on making music for its own sake.
Joining the principals are Cibo Matto's Miho Hatori ("Karma," "So Many Worlds"), modern rock icon Peter Murphy (“Idle Flow,” “We Dive”), Chanteuse Lisbeth Scott (“Hurricane”), and old-school hip-hop master Divine Styler (“Burn,” Killa Machine”). DiStefano also adds his vocal stamp on "Power," and “All That Is”. In addition to the eclectic vocal lineup, Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea and electric violinist Hugh Marsh also lend their talents on select tracks.
With its stew of vocalists and musicians Rambient’s debut creates its own blend of rock and ambient grooves. “Karma” features a funky Miho Hatori skipping along Flea's deep-groovin' riffs. By contrast, her other contribution, So Many Worlds, is gentle and intricate. Lisbeth Scott’s “Hurricane” is a lilting, heavenly ballad, while Peter Murphy provides his special brand of drama on "Idle Flow" and "We Dive." By contrast, Divine Styler throws down big time on “Killa Machine,” a bit of futuristic prog rock with some mind-melting guitar.
The instrumental tracks also mix it up. “Deliverance” is anchored by block rockin’ industrial-strength beats, with DiStefano’s twisted guitar giving the tune a sinister edge. Gregson-Williams’ film scoring handiwork shines through on the mellow “Birth of a Girl” and the hypnotic “Fresh Skin.”
Product Description
Rambient - The kind of collaboration that, on paper, shouldn't work: Harry Gregson-Williams is a classically trained film composer (Shrek, Armageddon, Enemy of the State, Chicken Run) while Peter DiStefano (Porno for Pyros) is an alternative rock guitarist. This collision of diverse musical talent is exemplified by the duo's debut - SO MANY WORLDS - a unique blend of rock and ambient grooves.
Joing the principals are Cibo Matto's Miho Hatori, modern rock icon Peter Murphy, chanteuse Lisbeth Scott and old-school hip-hop master Divine Styler. DiStefano also adds his vocal stamp on "Power" and "All That Is". In addition to the eclectic vocal lineup, bassist Flea and electric violinist Hugh Marsh also lend their talent on select tracks.
So Many Worlds,Rambient,Immergent,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop
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