Patrick O'Hearn - Metaphor (1997)

Bassist and synthesist Patrick O'Hearn began his career backing up music wizard Frank Zappa in the 1970s before forming the new-wave band Missing Persons in the early '80s and later striking out on his own. Somewhere along the way his music has morphed into electronic New Age, sometimes resembling ambient masters Tangerine Dream, sometimes Yanni. Metaphor is a fine testament to O'Hearn's talent for songwriting. He deftly layers his ambient pieces with blankets of lulling rhythm or washes before tucking a soft melody into the cotton of airy synth and chiming sequences. "The Women of Lachaise" builds on this technique beautifully, creating an urban landscape smooth around the edges with whiffs of smokey synth and competing with "Let Truth Prevail" for an electronic soundtrack reminiscent of Bladerunner. If you've checked out Tangerine Dream, if you've checked out Steve Roach, and are now wondering where to go from here, give Patrick O'Hearn a listen; he may be your next favorite electronic artist.