From gothling.com - 7/7/2003

Minneapolis' Ousia has been described as ambient/noise/drone, experimental , ethereal, and a term of their own choosing, 'snowbient'. I like 'snowbient' as a term; I think it matches Ousia rather well. Based on listening to 'Face the Robot' one could also put Ousia in the 'ethereal' or 'dreamy' box, but I would hesitate to add it to the New Age box (heaven forbid!) - there is nothing insipid about this release.

I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it was definitely not what I got. 'Face the Robot' is not an album of songs, it's a fluid cohesive piece. I liken it more to a symphony of sorts with movements that have names - an ambient space-rock symphony. I've suggested that if one likes In the Nursery, one might like this. Now, I know people will argue with me, claiming that they sound nothing alike, and that is certainly true. No, I am reminded of In the Nursery due to being a fan of In the Nursery's soundtrack work - Ousia could also produce excellent soundtracks. 'Face the Robot' feels to me like the soundtrack of being lost in space, before one suffocates. There's wonder there, and a dreamy sort of desperation, and the whole majesty of creation.

Rather a lot to place on the shoulders of an album, I know, but I think 'Face the Robot' can take it. I could get bogged down in describing each 'song' in detail, but I don't think I will at this time. This is an all-or-nothing album, love it or hate it. I love it, personally. It flows, and I am a big fan of albums that have flow. One of the things I like about 'Face the Robot' is that unlike a lot of dark ambient/drone bands, Ousia does not get caught up in trying to provide a 'beat'. Beat that exists, such as in 'Robot In', is subtle and understated.

This is a late-nite, large-headphones kind of album. I was thoroughly impressed with the quality of the production and the seamlessness of the blending of sounds. It goes down smoothly, but might be paranoia-inducing if consumed along with a cup of coffee.

Ousia is the cream of the ambient crop.

Stars: 5

Recommended if you Like: The Orb, In the Nursery, Boards of Canada, The Hafler Trio, True Color of Blood

Tracklisting:

1. Robot In
2. Ebow Lullabye
3. Face the Robot
4. In Absence
5. Binary Sort
6. Preconscious Processing
7. Minuet 5
8. Sound Check
9. Counter Rotation
10. Solar Limen
11. Robot Out


--bloodlossgirl