Cycle is the second release from Japanese composer/musician/architect/sculptor/painter Takashi Suzuki, following Resonance (2011), which was named Best Ambient Album for 2011 by Zone Music Reporter and reached #2 on the July 2011 ZMR Radio Airplay Chart. Like Resonance, the music on Cycle is very soothing and relaxing ambient electronica. Although much of the music has a rather dark quality, it feels more like the darkness of infinite space or of nighttime than anything frightening or sad. It is interesting to note that Suzuki approaches his recordings in much the same way he approaches his paintings - one at a time, finishing one before moving on to the next, allowing the previous pieces to influence the ones that come next. Because of that, the album feels linear and plays as a continuous musical experience. Each of the eight tracks has been given an Episode number, leaving it up to the listener to discern what the music is “about” - if it is about anything specific at all. Suzuki uses a variety of keyboards and synthesizers to create this music, some of which are newer and some that are vintage. All of the Episodes have melodic passages as well as subtle rhythms and dynamics, and this music works equally well as a backdrop for quiet activities, music for relaxation, and music to get lost in. The sound quality is superb.

Because the continuity of the album causes it to play as one continuous piece, describing each track won’t be of much use. If you enjoy space music, ambient music with depth and substance, and very minimalist music for relaxation, Takashi Suzuki’s music is an excellent choice. It is available from Amazon, iTunes, and CD Baby. Check it out!