'Glasshouse' is Northcape's followup to the previous release 'Exploration and Ascent' that I reviewed back in 2013 here. And of course, Northcape is the project name of Alastair Brown from Warwickshire, England. For the unfamiliar, Northcape works in the melodic ambient-esque with a rhythmic impulse. It's all gentle, relaxing stuff, and I think I'm going to coin a new term here, "melambient", which definitely fits Northcape. While 'Exploration and Ascent' explored the higher regions, 'Glasshouse' takes a more down to earth approach in the environment of a tropical greenhouse. Right from the start on "Capillary Action" there is a deeper, more earthy vibe, but still with the aura of shimmering sunlight from above. Sounds merge together more fully on title track "Glasshouse" as Northcape hits its stride. A very spacey melodic atmosphere punctuated by a confident rhythm, and thematically solid. "Eukaryote" makes me think of gentle rain on a Spring day. "Skyward" has this wonderful understated melody over a muted, sustained chordal progression with a simple rhythm track to carry it along; great music for cloud watching. On "Raytracing" I can feel the gentle breeze as synth sequences weave through the atmosphere and spiral upward. About halfway through a thicker chordal melody is introduced floating right along with the rest of it. "Green Wave" is devoid of percussion, with sustained chordal synth resonance and occasional bell tones, giving an impression of the divine. 'Glasshouse' is a brief album at only 29 minutes but certainly an enjoyable one. While perhaps not as varied as 'Exploration and Ascent', the atmosphere seems to be richer and fuller. Another worthy effort from Northcape.