Various artists
This set, released last summer, features seven artists firmly rooted in the textural electronic approach to musical composition—think Cluster, Eno, Klaus Schulze and other pioneers from the German school of sonic mind expansion, along with such modern texturalists as Sedona-based composer Steve Roach. “New age” this isn’t, however; the orchestral chord washes and temple-bell sounds of John Pemble’s “Unanswered Questions” might suggest some inner-child nurturing, but the collection takes a more aggressive, darker turn on the final three cuts, all by locals: Kirk Watson’s “Forward Steps” slithers along on a serpentine cinematic groove; on Biff Johnson’s “Lupine,” the serene tableau masks a sinister undertow; David Hastings’ rollicking “Brush with the Lions” is kinda like RoboCop mated with “Several Species of Small Furry Animals Gathered Together in a Cave and Grooving With a Pict.” Ergo, brain candy.