The Fifth Chakra (Ambient Space Tek) by Mr. G

Artists making Ambient music, or non-club music to be precise, during and post-pandemic, has been a recurring theme in the electronic scene but for Colin McBean, aka Mr. G, it's been a dedicated and extended process. Since 2021, after his father passed away, he's produced three albums of downtempo music (including this one), far removed from the funky House on which his reputation was first established. 2021's The Forced Force is Not the True Force surprised many in its experimental nature, but feeling that he could go further he delivered Pearls Don't Lay On The Shore, another contemplative exploration of the inner soul. While not particularly Ambient, its exploratory vibe resonated with a sense of self and discovery, especially on tracks like Matra 13 (peace) and Found My Space In Between. Moreover, his pursuit of going deeper remained resolute; this wasn't just 'pandemic music'.

Judging by that impressive high kick (in the photo above), apart from looking quite dangerous, Mr. G looks supple! He most likely practises yoga, particularly if chakras are involved. In yoga, chakras are used to describe the way energy moves throughout the body, and in the case of the fifth chakra, Vishuddha, the ability to communicate one's personal power — the crux of his devotion to this series of downtempo dispatches.

Never did I think I'd get to a meditative place and learn restraint," he said. "This is the album I've always wanted to make, never thinking I could.

Quite the statement! Whether it's the album he wanted to make to practise yoga or comes as a result from practising yoga is not clear but either way, he's made a delightfully delicate listen, one devoid of bold contrasts or unexpected bursts of noise to jolt you from your zone. Not Ambient like the spiritual and ethereal signature of A Strangely Isolated Place or the diffusive form from Jungle Gym Records. No Mr. G's unique style is best described as Funky Ambient.

The lack of regular rhythm is usually compensated by an organic bass line or cleverly manipulated vocal samples, best illustrated on tracks like Mood Swing (Bad Day) with its ghostly-voices-in-the-head like Shackleton or He's Friend........And More with its pensive bass notes and funky vocal sample. Even when there's a consistent beat, it's pared-down and discreet like the high-hat on Cath's Vision (Dougies With An Overproof Pini) or the muffled throb behind the Boards of Canada-style synth melody on Today's Vibe......Gooood.

My fav tracks are the really quiet ones like opener So It Began One Tuesday (Ambient Space Tek) or Constant, where the subtle background noises heighten your senses, provoking further reflection. McBean has succeeded in making an album of restrained beauty; its depths in sound perfectly reflecting his emotional depths.