The releasing netlabel, WM Recordings places a warning on this album stating “The Century of Aeroplanes does not have any techno drumbeats.” It’s an apt warning in an era where netlabel music usually mean breakbeats. sampling, and industrial. Century of Aeroplanes , who is primarily Rob Collier, is pretty bereft of steady beats of any kind. Instead Travel in Any Direction gives us meandering and meditative soundscapes to get lost in.

Collier and his cohorts creates music that is ambient in tone but doesn’t settle into any one sense of perspective. The first track is mainly new age acoustic with a beautifully simple piano theme accompanied by organ and chimes. However “End of Turtle” and “Pear Dreams”, and “Hurling Through The Midwest” feature hypnotic sounds filled with electronics and percussive tools. Later tracks like “Dance No. 3″ return to dream soaked melodies. Perhaps the best track is “Zither Mcpheerson” using piano and what sounds like a vibraharp over a storm-like drone. Considering the myriad tonal colors and instrumentations, it is impressive how well-balanced and consistant this album is. If Century of Aeroplanes purpose is to remove us from our stress-filled lives to a temporary musical paradise, they have succeeded admirably.

The album is available in separate tracks and zip in 128kbps.

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