THE SECOND ROOM PRESENTS:
CD Case -- Ambient
“Sub Signals – Volume 1,” mixed by Gaudi (Interchill Records, Mariko Music)

Released at the end of 2006, this first installment in the Sub Signal series carries a peculiar but telling caveat on the cover: “Woofer Advisory – Explicit Bass.”

This is understatement. Gaudi has laid down 12 tracks that are about 90 percent bass.

Prepare to ease yourself into “Sub Signals” deep universal beats, defined and unified by warm fat bass. Dub fans are gonna’ love this one. Chill floor fans will appreciate the new low-end vibes as most of these tracks are unreleased.

Interchill, under the direction of Andrew Collins, Naasko and Nick Edell, traversed the far reaches of the ambient soundscape on tranquil and mystic journeys of aural exploration last year with releases like “Arcana” and “Sanctuary” in the Spectrum series. Beyond the next release we’re going to talk about, Interchill in looking to release new creations from Pushmipulyu, Umberloid, Ashtech and Liquid Stranger.

CD Case -- Ambient
“Bliminal,” compiled by Andrew Ross Collins (Interchill Records, Mariko Music)

Interchill’s first release for 2007 is more than just a clever trick of the name.

“Bliminal,” which is not a word in the Merriam-Webster online dictionary but seems like it should be, captivates you right on its’ entrancing cover and sidelines you with the thought, “Is there something missing?”

Even subliminally, there is no way for anyone within reach of the “Play” button to confuse this compilation with “Sub Signals.” For we are now out of that deep end of the bass pool, sidestroking the vibe into brighter waters.

But Mr. Collins is indeed cunning. Because you know this is leading somewhere, despite being an obvious “return to the deep, luscious and universal chill sounds that Interchill is known for.” Masterful praise I wish I’d written first for a masterful chill album that’s going to give us a nice foundation for the Journey of 2007.

If “Bliminal” is any indication, the year ahead is all about freshness, with a renewed emphasis on originality from the likes of Greg Hunter, Eat Static, Legion of Green Men and Ishq, which scored a divine 15-plus-minute journey called “Nepalese Sun.”