Few producers/composers are as prolific as Susumu Yokota. With over thirty albums released in the last eighteen years there is a sizable amount of distinct albums in his discography. Continuing further from his house and techno roots and deeper into serene ambient works, Symbol uses almost entirely orchestral samples making for an experience that crosses both genres and cultural barriers.

Many of the songs start with vocal aesthetics, ranging from harmonic chants to off beat Inuit sighs and highs, but the initial theme of each song rarely hold their footing. A song that starts with the sound of a classical Russian pianist with maniacal and mocking laughter strewn about will suddenly have industrial or steam punk sounding claps, which usually make for an interesting mix. Other times, not so much. The Plateau Which the Zephyr of Flora Occupies starts with ominous hums and whistles which build very western middle-ages images to compliment, but the inclusion of southern fiddling broke the vibe of the entire second half of the song. Another notefully painful moment is the Christmas movie cliche cascading piano intrusively making it's way into Traveler in the Wonderland, and otherwise excellent song.

An interesting part of this album that I find many overlook is the track titles. The titles strongly reflect the theme of the song and gives you a heads up of what's to come. Fairy Dance of Twinkle and Shadow sounds like it's straight out of A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Flaming Love and Destiny would fit perfectly as the theme for a lava temple in and Legend of Zelda game.

This album is excellent if ambient music is starting to all sound like blips to you and if you want to find something that breaks that mold.  It's also great if you want to add a little culture to your Apple or other brand mp3 listening device, just play this one and in minutes you'll feel like you are riding across deserts on a camel while simultaneously being in Middle Earth while elves rehearse Under the Sea.