Album Review: Cymbiosis Vol.1 No.4 by Various Artists
Alright, let’s talk about Cymbiosis Vol.1 No.4, an under-the-radar gem from 1987 that somehow feels like it was beamed in from another dimension. This is one of those albums where you can practically smell the patchouli and hear the faint hum of a synthesizer warming up in someone’s garage. Released on the Cymbiosis label outta the US, this electronic/New Age/Ambient hybrid is the kind of thing you stumble across at a thrift store, pop into your cassette deck (yeah, I said it), and suddenly realize you’ve been missing out on something special.
The album’s got a mix of vibes, but two tracks really stuck with me: “End Of An Era” and “Cat Boulevard.” Let’s break ‘em down real quick.
“End Of An Era” kicks things off with this slow-building synth swell that feels like watching the sun dip below the horizon on some forgotten California beach. It’s moody but not overly dramatic—like, it doesn’t need to scream for attention. The track just kinda sneaks up on you, wrapping you in this warm, melancholic haze. You know how sometimes music makes you feel nostalgic for moments you didn’t even live through? That’s this track. It’s like saying goodbye to something without really knowing what it is. Weirdly comforting, if you ask me.
Then there’s “Cat Boulevard,” which is just pure fun. Picture a neon-lit street at night, maybe somewhere in LA, with palm trees swaying lazily in the background. The beat has this quirky bounce to it, like a cat prowling around looking for trouble—or snacks, who knows. There’s this playful little melody that pops in and out, and honestly, it’s impossible not to smile while listening. It’s the kind of track that could soundtrack a low-budget sci-fi flick or your morning commute—it’s versatile like that.
Now, I gotta admit, the rest of the album keeps the vibe going strong. Tracks like “Topanga Waltz” and “A Woman’s Song” bring their own flavors to the table, but they don’t hit quite as hard as those first two bangers. Still, the whole thing flows nicely, like a road trip playlist curated by someone who’s seen too many sunsets and read one too many self-help books.
What’s wild about Cymbiosis Vol.1 No.4 is how ahead of its time it feels. In 1987, most people were busy rocking out to hair metal or getting into hip-hop, but here’s this quiet little project doing its own thing, blending ambient textures with New Age sensibilities. It’s like the musical equivalent of finding a dusty crystal ball in the back corner of a thrift shop—it might not change your life, but it sure makes you stop and think.
So yeah, give this album a spin if you’re into music that’s more about vibes than vocals. And hey, maybe light a candle or two while you’re at it. Who knows? You might just find yourself zoning out and wondering what “Empowerment” would sound like remixed by Daft Punk. Now that’s a thought worth chasing.
