Visions is the second solo project by Cyclic Law Records' Frédéric Arbour, after Instincts was put on hold. In this project, Arbour focuses less on the symphonic and bombastic elements present in the first project, but tends more towards extended deep soundscapes, with a strong space theme.

This concept of outer space is mirrored perfectly in the music. The deep, highly detailed drones and soundwaves conjure up images of travels between the stars. Not the empty blackness that would make up most of our view of space, but rather the highlights, the spectacular nebulae and glorious star systems. In this sense, Lapse is a very succesful depiction of that atmosphere, which puts man and Earth into proper perspective.

At the same time, I miss a tiny bit of excitement in the album at times. Despite all the detail, the tracks blend in together a little too much, and I think the album lasts a tad too long in this case. Perhaps at the current level of variation, an EP would have been more suitable.

Apart from this point of criticism, I think this is a very good album that is very interesting for lovers of deep dark ambient and space music. Arbour is obviously a great talent when it comes to production and sound sculpting, and I'm sure even better works are coming up. Finally, as usual, there's some fine packaging and artwork going on at Cyclic Law. All in all, this is certainly not a disappointing release.

O.S.