Parhelion - Midnight Sun [Cyclic Law - 2010]Well this is yet another ambient release -- they seem to keep coming and coming and it's not exactly always fun to have to review. Parhelion are a bit of an exception, though. Their underlying shtick is being about arctic expanses, which obviously isn't a new idea if you remember Thomas Kõner. Needless to say this album isn't as complex as Kõner's stuff, but it isn't that bad. Some of Midnight Sun reminds me of late-period SPK with the ever-present digital synth and effects. Of course it's just as meandering as most ambient tends to be, but at least here it's not straying towards New Age territory. But don't really expect more than what is designed for background music -- if you're looking for melody you won't find it here really. Of course if this is supposed to conjure images of the Arctic, I think Steve Albini could easily tell you they failed. So Parhelion isn't strictly your typical ambient project. Over all not that bad, and could easily make for some good listening in a meat factory (I would suppose...)    Lawrence J. Patti
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