Alien D. - Smoker’s Choice - Theory Therapy
Daniel Creahan, aka Alien D., returns with another LP on Sydney’s Theory Therapy label. His second album on the imprint in two years is once again packed with stunning, soothing, and laid-back jams—signature characteristics for both his own work and the label’s output.
The vast umbrella of contemporary ambient music houses a multitude of distinct styles. A specific niche—one that Theory Therapy occupies so well—moves away from the sprawling, static soundscapes of "classic" ambient. Instead, it connects the dots between bass-heavy instrumental trip-hop, dub elements, meticulously arranged ambient textures, and crisp, sound-design-focused (hyper)pop aesthetics. Some might call it "ambient with a twist."
Alien D. kicks off the album with midnight tint, characterized by warm, sub-heavy 808s, delayed chords, and subtle glimpses of rhythm. This patient, constant teasing serves as the album's common thread—always holding the listener’s attention without ever fading into mere background noise. On equinox cherry, organic, harp-like sounds meet quirky bleeps and levitating drum sketches. Fans of 3XL or Mu Tate will instantly fall for turned on a dime, an immersive ambient piece combining lush pads, soft, occasional kicks, and delicate field recordings.
cool heaven really stands out as a highlight: a wonderful, soft-rock and pop-leaning track featuring guest vocals by Creahan’s wife, Ellen—an absolute essential for fans of Jabu or the Australian icons HTRK. Washed-out banjo and zither surface on intricate link, perfectly framing glimpses of an organic riddim. plants at work then steps back with a dynamic, quirky, acid-infused, and completely weightless stepper, before shifted apsis takes a wonderfully unexpected turn into a saxophone-laced jazz/electronica hybrid.
All the patient waiting and teasing culminates in the album’s closing track, Room Becomes A Mirror, rewarding the listener with a fully realized trip-hop jam.
A superb, conceptual body of work that is deeply rewarding when experienced in one sitting!
