Layering Buddha – Astral Industries 41

Astral Industries’ 41st release is a special one, as the groundbreaking US label deliver a repress of Robert Henke’s 2006 ambient classic titled Layering Buddha. The German multifaceted artist may be known for his role in the Monolaked duo, or for co-founding Ableton, but this Henke’s album is a masterclass of a concept record, as it is all being concocted by samples from the FM3 Buddha Machine. I hear you instantly cry: «What is a Buddha Machine?» Well, it’s a small plastic box that contains various meditative music loops, and it’s Henke’s muse for this album.

From ‘Layer 001/002’ to ‘Layer 008/009/010’, the record drags the listener across lovely habitats both swampy and squelchy, as well through some barren soundscapes – all forged through samples from the Buddha Machine. It’s full of sounds to get lost, heal, and reflect in. Whilst the 2006 version of the album sounds oh so good, a remaster from Henke himself is more than welcome, and with some gorgeous cover art by Theo Ellsworth this anniversary vinyl from the London label is a must-have for any ambient fans who are looking to buy this essential record from straight out of the drone headcanon.