Gravitational Pull vs. the Desire for an Aquatic Life
Encyclopedia
Gravitational Pull vs the Desire for an Aquatic Life is the second studio album by ambient drone music group Stars of the Lid
. It was recorded on four track and released as an LP on Sedimental
in 1996. The album features short, medium and long minimal, droning compositions created from heavily treated guitar
, horn
, piano
and other classical
instruments
.
in 1996, the album was released on CD in October 1997 on Kranky
, and this reissue contained the extra track "Jan. '69". According to their official Web site, the band was displeased with the Sedimental
pressing and therefore delighted when Kranky
released it on CD. They wrote,
Stars of the Lid
Stars of the Lid is a duo specializing in drone-based ambient music. They list among their influences minimalist and electronic composers such as Arvo Pärt, Zbigniew Preisner, Gavin Bryars, and Henryk Górecki, as well as Talk Talk , post-rock artists Labradford, and ambient innovator Brian...
. It was recorded on four track and released as an LP on Sedimental
Sedimental
Sedimental is an independent recording label based in Greenfield, Massachusetts releasing mainly experimental, sound art, noise, free jazz, avant garde and drone music. It began 16 years ago in Austin, Texas with the first album from ambient-drone group Stars of the Lid and their debut Music for...
in 1996. The album features short, medium and long minimal, droning compositions created from heavily treated guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
, horn
Horn (instrument)
The horn is a brass instrument consisting of about of tubing wrapped into a coil with a flared bell. A musician who plays the horn is called a horn player ....
, piano
Piano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
and other classical
Classical music
Classical music is the art music produced in, or rooted in, the traditions of Western liturgical and secular music, encompassing a broad period from roughly the 11th century to present times...
instruments
Musical instrument
A musical instrument is a device created or adapted for the purpose of making musical sounds. In principle, any object that produces sound can serve as a musical instrument—it is through purpose that the object becomes a musical instrument. The history of musical instruments dates back to the...
.
Critical reaction
The album received moderate praise from critics. Nitsuh Abebe, writing for Allmusic, stated:Release history
Following the vinyl issue from SedimentalSedimental
Sedimental is an independent recording label based in Greenfield, Massachusetts releasing mainly experimental, sound art, noise, free jazz, avant garde and drone music. It began 16 years ago in Austin, Texas with the first album from ambient-drone group Stars of the Lid and their debut Music for...
in 1996, the album was released on CD in October 1997 on Kranky
Kranky Records
Kranky is an independent record label, located in Chicago, Illinois. It was started in 1993 by Bruce Adams and Joel Leoschke.The bands it houses are noted for combining experimental and often electronic influences with elements of more traditional rock structures, and many of the artists on Kranky...
, and this reissue contained the extra track "Jan. '69". According to their official Web site, the band was displeased with the Sedimental
Sedimental
Sedimental is an independent recording label based in Greenfield, Massachusetts releasing mainly experimental, sound art, noise, free jazz, avant garde and drone music. It began 16 years ago in Austin, Texas with the first album from ambient-drone group Stars of the Lid and their debut Music for...
pressing and therefore delighted when Kranky
Kranky Records
Kranky is an independent record label, located in Chicago, Illinois. It was started in 1993 by Bruce Adams and Joel Leoschke.The bands it houses are noted for combining experimental and often electronic influences with elements of more traditional rock structures, and many of the artists on Kranky...
released it on CD. They wrote,
CD
- "The Better Angels of Our Nation" – 3:56
- "Cantus II; in Memory of Warren Wiltzie" – 19:03
- "Jan. '69" – 9:24
- "Lactate's Moment" – 12:18
- "Be Little with Me" – 6:27