Here we have a Midwestern boy making the best of ambient music. This came out before he fully explored sexuality and gender politics in his music. Of course there are a few references to the insanity of political thought, from samples about Lee Harvey Oswald to worries about political paralysis.
After his time as DJ Sprinkles (a moniker he is thankfully revisiting) he decided to move from deep house into purely beat-less territory, bringing him here. Most of these compositions give some sense that he either had some musical training at some point in his life, or that he in fact really, really knew what he was doing.
Delicate textures seem to be his forte here, as the pieces very slowly evolve, showing the neurosis of urban living. Bits of the environment bleed through pieces like “Elevatorium” and “Subjective Loss, Day 83”. My favorite surprise comes at the very end of the album, which jars you back into reality so suddenly. “Cycles” has possibly the best ending I’ve ever heard of an album without any rise in volume. Rather, the dialogue purely brings it along.
Sadly, most ambient producers don’t follow Terre’s format here, focusing instead on prettiness. Alongside some beautiful work are occasional memories of human suffering, put in the starkest of environments. Easily his best work, though Lovebomb would be another favorite of mine.