Bass Communion II
Bass Communion · 1999
71 min · 7 tracks · ambient music
A labyrinth of immersive drones and textured soundscapes that envelops the listener in a meditative experience.
Top tracks — play these first
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16 Second Swarm — This track exemplifies the album's approach to extended composition, gradually layering textures that create a hypnotic listening experience. Its lengthy duration allows for deep immersion into its evolving soundscape.
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Drugged III — The longest track on the album, it captures Wilson’s talent for building tension through subtle shifts and a sense of foreboding that permeates the atmosphere. Its intricate layering showcases his production prowess.
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Wide Open Killingfeld — With its dynamic range and haunting ambience, this track stands out as a transformative piece that highlights the emotional depth present in Wilson's work. It contrasts serene moments with unsettling undertones.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album excels in creating immersive soundscapes with cohesive flow, rewarding repeated listens.
What we noticed
- Each track builds layers of drones and textures, often overlapping to create a continuous soundscape rather than distinct sections.
- The use of field recordings and manipulated sounds contributes to a sense of immersion, inviting the listener to lose themselves in the atmosphere.
- 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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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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9/10
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
- immersive soundscapes for meditation
- long-form tracks inviting exploration
- patient unfolding of textures
- labyrinthine drones that envelop
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer concise, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in July 1999, Bass Communion II marked the second album from Steven Wilson's ambient project, following the self-titled debut. At this point, Wilson was already an established figure in progressive rock with Porcupine Tree and was exploring more experimental sound with Bass Communion, solidifying his reputation as a multifaceted artist.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Stars of the Lid· Brian Eno· Tim Hecker
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Advert 0:58
- 2 16 Second Swarm 10:56
- 3 Grammatic Oil 10:11
- 4 Drugged III 16:59
- 5 Dwarf Artillery 7:14
- 6 Wide Open Killingfeld 13:01
- 7 A Grapefruit in the World of Park 12:12
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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