Down Under prog rocker Ben Craven has been a favorite of mine since his exquisite 2016 album, ‘Last Chance to Hear’. While Craven has produced several stellar solo works since then, he has on occasion teamed up with keyboardist Tim Bennetts ( Seven Day Mask ) on several projects, including their work on Progaustralis live, and drummer Dean Posey from Craven’s Frankenfido projects. Ambient Den reprints a dedicated project for these three like-minded musicians.

The album, a collaborative writing effort, leans heavily on progressive rock themes from the 1970s while allowing a showcase of stellar composition and playing skills. Along the way, it should seem as if the three principles are having fun with the project. 

“Future History Part 1” gives the listener a brief taste of what’s to come. The atmospheric keyboards by Bennetts and the clean guitar tones remind me of the interaction between David Gilmour and Richard Wright on the Pink Floyd album, ‘Endless River’. The leap into “For All Mankind” is logical. Craven, who produced the album, is a master at guitar tone, blending lap steel, distorted Fender Strat leads, and his cosmic flair with Bennett’s ethereal keyboard sounds. Povey’s percussion is seamless and supportive. The musicians also provide powerful harmony vocals supporting the lyrics of travel and cosmic discovery. The song, over with minutes, allows Bennetts and Craven plenty of room to stretch while supporting the narrative.

“Provenance” is a snarling six-minute instrumental centered around Craven’s multitracked Fender Stratocaster and touches of lap steel guitar. Bennetts’ osolating synth backing complements that steady backbeat of Powvey while hi spiabo fills evoke space travel. 

“Earthrise,” with its churning synth rhythms and propulsive drumming, is a good vehicle for Bennetts and Craven’s vocals. The song is foreboding yet lyrically offers signs of home and progress for man. The mid-section acoustic guitar solo and piano passages add touches of suspense before the song takes flight again with a solo, leaving the listener amazed and satisfied. 

The sixteen-minute epic “Terraforming” climaxes the musical journey. Touches of swirling Hammond-like organ, growling lap steel guitar, blistering Fender lead work, and dazzling acoustic guitar touches create the vision of a moment and recreation. The drumming is varied and powerful, aptly supporting the song’s dynamics while giving space to the lap steel/organ face-off. The sound reminds me of “Echoes” by Pink Floyd, which modern production touches. 

“Future History Part 2” brings the album in for a landing. The wah-wah guitar leads, ensemble vocals, and synth horn stabs paint an upbeat image. Indeed, Ambient Den waits until the last song to put forth a rock pop song; however, it fits the theme of the album and shows the versatility of Craven, Bennetts, and Povey. 

The album is available now for order, and those purchasing from https://ambientden.bandcamp.com/album/ambient-den also receive four single edit/bonus tracks. Ambient Den is a well-crafted, superbly written, and excellently played slice of progressive rock.