Rambient Releases CD And DVD

January 23. 2002

The outfit known as Rambient makes a great case for opposites attracting. Itís the kind of collaboration that, on paper, shouldnít work: Harry Gregson-Williams is a classically trained film composer, while Peter DiStefano is an alternative rock guitarist. This collision of diverse musical talent is exemplified by the duoís debutóImmergent Records release ìSo Many Words.îDiStefano, whose resume includes the straight-ahead sounds of Bottlerocket and edge alt-rock band Porno for Pyros, was eager to expand his musical talents beyond the confines of guitar-centric ìrawk.î Gregson-Williams, whose credits include ìArmageddon,î ìEnemy of the State,î ìChicken Run,î and the new Steven Spielberg movie ìSkrek,î wanted to create music that wasnít determined by action flickering on the screen.The projectís origins actually predate Gregson-Williamsí involvement. DiStefano had written ìpowerî as a bit of musical therapy after surviving both drug addiction and cancer. ìThe song is about having the power to overcome both of them. It was inspired from the decision to break-away from Porno for Pyros and do something more healthy,î he recalls.DiStefano played the song for Gregson-Williams in 1997, and the pair decided to collaborate on an album. They began recording tracks in Gregson-Williamsí film-music studio in Santa Monica that year. Working in fits and starts, with long breaks for both artistsí respective successful careers, they completed the album earlier this year. For Peter DiStefano and Harry Gregson-Williams ìSo Many Worldsî is a breath of fresh air, a project based on making music for its own sake.Joining the principals are Cibo Mattoís Miho Hatori (ìKarma,î ìSo Many Worldsî), modern rock icon Peter Murphy (ìIdle Flow,î ìWe Diveî), Chanteuse Lisbeth Scott (ìHurricaneî), and old-school hip-hop master Divine Styler (ìBurn,î ìKilla Machineî). DiStefano also adds his vocal stamp on ìPowerî and ìAll That Is.î In addition to the eclectic vocal lineup, Red Hot Chili Peppersí bassist Flea and electric violinist Hugh Marsh also lend their talents on select tracks.With its slew of vocalists and musicians Rambientís debut creates its own blend o rock and ambient grooves. ìKarmaî features a funky Miho Hatori skipping along Fleaís deep-grooviní riffs. By contrast, her other contribution, ìSo Many Worlds,î is gentle and intricate. Lisbeth Scottís ìHurricaneî is a lilting, heavenly ballad, while Peter Murphy provides his special brand of drama on ìIdle Flowî and ìWe Dive.î By contrast, Divine Styler throws down big time on ìKilla Machine,î a bit of futuristic prog rock with some mind-melting guitar.The instrumental tracks also mix it up. ìDeliveranceî is anchored by block rockiní industrial-strength beats, with DiStefanoís twisted guitar giving the tune a sinister edge. Gregson-Williamsí film scoring handiwork shines through on the mellow ìBirth of a Girlî and the hypnotic ìFresh Skin.îSimultaneous with CD release, a DVD will be released containing music and exclusive interviews from DiStefano, Gregson-Williams, and the participating vocalists.