Per Aspera Ad Astra
Stars of the Lid · 1998
40 min · 6 tracks · ambient music
Ethereal soundscapes undulate through minimalist structures, creating a meditative atmosphere that invites deep introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
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Low Level (Listening)+, Part 1 — The opening track sets a tranquil tone with its layers of drones and subtle textures, embodying the essence of the album's meditative quality.
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Anchor States, Part 2 — This piece unfolds gradually, showcasing the duo's mastery of dynamic shifts and emotional depth within a minimalist framework.
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Low Level (Listening)+, Part 3 — Concluding this segment of the suite, it offers a poignant resolution with its serene layering that encapsulates the themes of reflection and stillness.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's seamless flow and minimalist structures create an immersive experience that rewards deep listening.
What we noticed
- The album consists of six tracks that are divided into two distinct suites, each with three parts that flow seamlessly into one another.
- Each track features long, sustained tones and minimal melodic movement, creating a sense of continuity and immersion.
- There are no abrupt transitions; the sound evolves gradually, inviting listeners to engage in deep listening and reflection.
- 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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8/10
- 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
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
- deep introspection in quiet moments
- meditative soundscapes for focus
- gradual unfolding of sonic layers
- immersive listening during solitude
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
- want distinct song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Per Aspera Ad Astra was the third studio album by Stars of the Lid, released in 1998, marking a period of growth for the duo. Following their previous albums, the band continued to refine their ambient and drone soundscapes, establishing themselves as pivotal figures in the contemporary classical and minimalist music scenes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Brian Eno· Tim Hecker· Max Richter
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Low Level (Listening)+, Part 1 6:22
- 2 Low Level (Listening)+, Part 2 8:42
- 3 Low Level (Listening)+, Part 3 5:29
- 4 Anchor States, Part 1 4:27
- 5 Anchor States, Part 2 8:51
- 6 Anchor States, Part 3 6:46
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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