Reviews for Since Every Hour is Too Late

Vital Weekly
Ross Baker is Second Thought, since 1999. Originally a duo from the world of techno music, but already after one year Baker was on his own, and started to play more ambient music. There have been albums on FSOL Digital, Ambient Live, Bump Foot and now on Jerky Oats, which I think is his own imprint. So this is all about ambient music, and Baker opts for the variation that is a bit more melodic and a bit less drone based. Piano and strings are his main instruments of choice, along with some electronics (reverb mainly) to craft that extra sense of space. Although it is melodic, its not always the most bright kind of music. Especially in those where things get a bit more abstract, without piano and strings (or heavily treated), such as in 'Glebe Road, 1998. Rain' things are a bit creepy, like a horror soundtrack. But then other pieces, such as 'Untitled For Four Pianos' is a nice, sweet piece of minimal music. This makes this a highly varied album which sound quite nice. Not really the most newest direction in the world of ambient music, but executed with great care. Very nice.


Sonic Curiosities
This release from 2011 offers 41 minutes of piano ambience.
Second Thought is Ross Baker.
Solo piano is infrequently joined by some electronics and string arrangements, resulting in a selection of very personal tuneage.
Pensive piano delivers melodies that are tender with a touch of wistful melancholia. The music coaxes the listener to lie back and be carried away by relaxing songs that sedate the body as they stimulate the mind. Nostalgic intentions are key here, as the music envelopes you in layers of sound that delve into your psyche and turn the mind backward toward lost memories of more innocent times.
The inclusion of strings contribute a sense of soft drama to certain passages.
Electronics are quite minimal, utilized primarily to enhance subliminal moods through their undercurrent presence. In a few instances the electronics break through to dominate, but the result is still the same: passive and intended to sedate.
These compositions are delicate and endearing, designed to captivate without being intrusive about it. The tunes flow with regal craft; crisp and evocative.


Aiding & Abetting
Ross Baker works with keyboards--sometimes regular piano, sometimes something electric--and then does a spot of processing. The sound is largely unadulterated, but that occasional scrim of hiss and moan is interesting. These pieces wander much further than their intricate melodies. There's something in between the notes.


Wonderful Wooden Reasons
Ross Baker’s Second Thought project dates back to 1999 but I must admit to being completely ignorant of it until this CD dropped through my door.

Having explored dance music and ambient soundscapes Baker has here turned his attention to melancholic and introspective (primarily) piano compositions. Threaded through his piano are a smorgasbord of flutters and clutters that give the piano a sense of place and a setting within which to display themselves. I think I’d have liked to have heard him give things a bit of a kicking at some point during the journey and broken free of the sadness but that’s not where this album is headed.

It’s an ephemeral and vaporous set that’s maybe lacking in a little bite but is full of beauty. A sinuous and intriguing set that is well worth pursuing.

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