Is Ambient Dub Volume II: Dead Slow a good place to start with Bill Laswell?

Yes, Ambient Dub Volume II: Dead Slow is recommended as a starting point for new Bill Laswell listeners. Ethereal soundscapes blend with hypnotic rhythms, creating a meditative auditory journey through space and time. In 1993, Bill Laswell was an established figure in the experimental music scene, known for his innovative fusion of genres. 'Ambient Dub Volume II: Dead Slow' followed his debut in the ambient dub genre, establishing him further as a pioneer in blending electronic music with reggae and jazz elements.

Who is Ambient Dub Volume II: Dead Slow for?

Ambient Dub Volume II: Dead Slow works well if you're into hypnotic soundscapes for introspection, gradual builds with late climax and ideal for deep listening sessions.

How many songs are on Ambient Dub Volume II: Dead Slow?

Ambient Dub Volume II: Dead Slow has 6 tracks, running approximately 61 minutes.

Ambient Dub Volume II: Dead Slow

Bill Laswell · 1993

61 min · 6 tracks · jazz

Ethereal soundscapes blend with hypnotic rhythms, creating a meditative auditory journey through space and time.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dead Slow Start here — The opening track sets a tranquil tone for the album, featuring deep bass lines that resonate with an immersive quality, drawing listeners into its sonic landscape.
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Baraka — This lengthy piece exemplifies Laswell's skill in building tension through layers of sound, transforming minimalistic elements into a rich auditory experience over its extended runtime.
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Evil Eye — Combining haunting melodies with rhythmic elements, this track showcases Laswell's ability to create mood and atmosphere, making it a standout representation of the album's overall aesthetic.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album's immersive soundscapes and rhythmic subtleties create a compelling auditory journey.

What we noticed

Each track features extended instrumental passages that gradually evolve, creating a sense of movement through ambient textures.
The album employs a consistent use of reverb and echo effects, which contribute to its ethereal soundscape.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 9/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

hypnotic soundscapes for introspection
gradual builds with late climax
ideal for deep listening sessions
for evening relaxation

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
dislike lengthy, immersive tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Popularized ambient dub, establishing Laswell's influence in the genre.
Themes: hypnotic rhythms· meditative soundscapes· immersive auditory journey
Career context: In 1993, Bill Laswell was an established figure in the experimental music scene, known for his innovative fusion of genres. 'Ambient Dub Volume II: Dead Slow' followed his debut in the ambient dub genre, establishing him further as a pioneer in blending electronic music with reggae and jazz elements.
Stylistic neighbors: Tackhead· Herbie Hancock· Thievery Corporation