Emerging from a love of early electronics, concrete/tape music, soundtracks and early new age, Norm Chambers—formerly working as Panabrite—creates worlds of sound that touch on many elements and moods, from spatially motivated ambient to aspects of minimalist composition and improvisation. Chambers utilises an array of synthesiser equipment to achieve his sounds, in addition to field sounds and occasional acoustic elements.
My goal with this piece was simply to utilise the extended length to let a piece open up over time, slowly build up into something dynamic and then travel through different textures/zones. I chose to layer simple patterns, some that may often have a moment where they may appear slightly out of sync or following a different path. I love clean and simple sine and bell tones juxtaposed against random noise and other textures, and discovering what comes through in the din. I am a fan of minimalist pieces in general, and hearing different patterns playing off each other—often creating a phantom sound—is very satisfying. For the backbone of the track I have employed a virtual mallet section that runs through various sequences, accompanied by organ chords creating sustained melodic tension.
This concept of traveling through sound is simple but very evocative, lending itself to fantastic daydreams while driving, walking, or performing other daily tasks. I find my mind can focus much more when immersed in a long, sustained and slowly unfurling piece of music; equally in the background but with the mind somehow focused. Patience can be rewarded by soaking in the repetitive patterns and little melodies that often appear out of nowhere. I don't intend to present this piece as a sort of aural healing or any such gimmick, but simply an experiential activity.