Jazz drummer and composer Vlad Nedelin was born in the former Soviet Union, lived for a spell in Israel, and is now a resident of Sockholm, Sweden. On 'Postante,' his debut solo release, Nedelin explores some very interesting terrain in the active-ambient mode. Not exactly what you'd expect from a jazz drummer (being that most of 'Postante is comprised of sythesizers and samplers) but his attention to rhythm is precisely what makes this album stand out. Over nine tracks that blend together with the continuity of a movie, Vlad takes you on a trip through an ambient-industrial landscape with noirish overtones and a sci-fi undertone. The comparisons to a modern Blade Runner are inevitable, being a prime example of what we have here, though (overused) dialogue samples from that flick (or any other) are gratefully not employed.

The listener gradually eases into the Postante world with "Totally Ripe," comprised of gentle drones, a hint of melody and little electronic tidbits until the mechanical rhythm builds up. It's a soft, down-tempo sort of industrial atmosphere, but ultimately a cohesive once when you get used to it. This gradually fades into "Nothing Disappears," where a beautiful, semi-melodic slow theme is developed, blending mystery with intrigue. It's Eno-esque, but even better. Swept away by white noise we head into "Post Meridiem" with its rain-like crackling, heavy drones and industrial foley effects. This is a full-on dark ambient track that cries out for visual accompaniment, but is left to your imagination. "Yet to Be Told" begins with some electronic sequences in the vein of Biosphere and gradually morphs into a fuller (march) rhythm with Eastern-inspired melody. Before you know it, you're on "An Isle" where dark and mysterious drones provide the base while foley activity (doors opening and closing, tapping, clanking, metal scraping, squeaks, etc.) provides the activity. Strange, but very cool. Now you can go "Through the Tunnel," a track with very animated rhythm that implies somne sort of urgency, perhaps an escape or chase. For respite, you can take up "Temporary Residence" in the shadow realm where ghostly voices hover over the windswept terrain. But all too soon it's time to move on into the subterranean realm of the "Ante Meridiem," a transitional track that takes you to "Untouched," where bells ring in dulcet and possibly baleful tones. Somehow it's raining again in this bleak environ, and there is an aura of sadness as you slip away from the 'Postante' world.

This is one hell of an album that sparks the imagination like a movie in the mind, one that you have to write and direct yourself. Cinematic? Certainly! Dark, but not overly oppressive. For a debut album Vlad Nedelin has composed an impressive and compelling soundscape which many seasoned electronic music composers could only dream about. Highly recommended!