Ambient music has always been as free flowing and fluid as the crystal clear waters that surround the Great Barrier Reef. Soothing sounds are emitted from electronic instruments and provide the listener with gracious sounds to relax or meditate to. The musicians that offer such soothing sounds are an eclectic collection of artists who pride themselves on their creativity and who use synthesized compositions to create positive vibes for the masses. Encompassed in center of this diverse genre is the Aussie Ambient crew, Avida Dollars. The crew is comprised of two talented artists, Paul Smyth and Paul Cartwright, who have come together to give music fans what they long for, great music.

Ambient music may not be for everyone, but Avida Dollars offers an array of feel good songs that are sure to move even the most finicky music fan. Their latest offering (myspace.com/avidadollarsmusic) is solid. “Wearing a Dead Man’s Clothes” is a mellow tune filled with countless sounds that create a tranquil and inviting atmosphere. Fretless bass riffs dance expressively with keyboard synths and light drumming. French lyrics are sprinkled over the instrumental and add a nice touch to a great composition.

The break-beat inspired “Caine” is an up-tempo concerto starts with what appears to be a short wave radio transmission that builds up to a break-style drum pattern. Staccato synth and drum iterations are the driving force behind this rhythmic track. A splash of reverb effects coat the well placed synthesized keyboard stokes that are layered throughout this piece. The song maintains its ambient integrity while incorporating some really cool non-traditional sounds.

The musically fluidity continues on the “Desert Ocean Road”. This tranquil track is mellow enough to meditate to but alluring enough grab the attention of the listener. It’s a true gem for the avid ambient fan. Other solid tracks are the mid-tempo Picabia 391 and the soundtrack-esque Mosq.

Avida Dollars are an inspiring crew that brings depth and creativity to an often overlooked genre. They utilize a variety of electronic instruments to project positive vibes for the audience to enjoy. Their music will sway listeners in the way that the Indian Ocean that surrounds their continent does the vessels that sail through it, in a smooth and steady fashion.

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