Released 30 years ago
A Troubled Resting Place
Robert Rich · 1996
65 min · 6 tracks · ambient music
Ethereal soundscapes blend organic textures and electronic elements, creating a meditative journey through the subconscious.
Top tracks — play these first
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Bioelectric Plasma — This expansive 16-minute track showcases Rich's mastery of layered textures and intricate sound manipulation, immersing listeners in a fluid auditory landscape that epitomizes the album's essence.
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The Simorgh Sleeps on Velvet Tongues — Opening the album, this track sets a contemplative mood with its gentle ebb and flow, drawing listeners into Rich's intricate world of sound.
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Night Sky Replies — At over 20 minutes, this track exemplifies Rich's ability to create an expansive sonic narrative, inviting deep introspection through its evolving textures and resonant tones.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's immersive soundscapes and layered textures create a cohesive listening experience.
What we noticed
- Each track features long, sustained tones that evolve slowly over time, creating a sense of drifting through sound.
- There are no percussive elements; the music flows continuously without distinct rhythmic sections.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- meditative exploration of soundscapes
- long, immersive sonic journeys
- ethereal textures for deep focus
- subconscious reflection during solitude
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat, fast-paced music
- prefer short, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time Robert Rich released A Troubled Resting Place in 1996, he was already an established figure in the ambient music scene, known for his innovative approach to sound design. This album came after his acclaimed collaboration with Lustmord on the influential album Stalker, showcasing Rich's continued exploration of deep atmospheric compositions.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Steve Roach· Brian Eno· Tangerine Dream
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Simorgh Sleeps on Velvet Tongues 10:21
- 2 Calling by Stormlight 5:09
- 3 Buoyant on Motionless Deluge 7:50
- 4 Bioelectric Plasma 16:39
- 5 Black Skies 5:18
- 6 Night Sky Replies 20:30
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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