The Monthly Aspectarian - A Review by Forest
(Dec 98)

THE SPECTRAL SHIPS
Richard Bone

     East coaster Richard Bone travels cross continent to hook up with the west coast based Hypnos label and his first foray into what is best described as minimal ambiance. We've heard and appreciated his more energetic side on his previous self released Quirkworks titles, but with Spectral Ships , Mr. Bone guides us to new musical territories. You'll find yourself floating along, cloud-like, on a consistent mix of soothing, cascading synth washes. Nine original compositions that rival the best of early Eno or Budd. Electronic music in its most minimal sense. We especially appreciate the occasional voice samples on the opening and closing tracks. Also, check out the brooding, underwater feeling of the mysterious "Nocturna" offering. The album's closing "Ephemera" composition, with its spatial, translucent darkness is perhaps the strongest of the entire recording. A spacemusic classic.

Forest (producer of Musical Starstreams)