This 1998 release from the enigmatic duo is a single track built upon the idea of minimalism and the connection between sound and mental states. Using a bare minimum of effected sound elements combined with theta waves (noted in wikipedia as inspiring focus and senses of both exploration and spatial navigation), "Convergence" creates a wonderful meditative environment that does an excellent job of engaging the listener throughout it's length. Perhaps it's a result of subtle brainwave manipulation, perhaps it's well crafted music with an attention to detail and an appreciation for nuance. More likely it's a combination of the two. Whatever it is, "Convergence" is a fine example of Austere's work, and I encourage you to check it out.
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This album is unabashedly and honestly based on Steve Reich's manifesto "Music as a Process" where the idea is to create musical pieces based on some kind of process (Reich's original experiments used two tape players that would go out-of-sync while playing the same recording.)

The difference here is that Austere has taken a lot of time to piece together a huge number of layers of three different "phrases" (as Reich calls them), each a distant ringing sound resembling something like playing a pipe organ deep inside a cave, far away, repeating slowly, fading in and out, building up layer after layer of these tones, each very slightly out-of-sync each time they play, creating a gorgeous and expansive droning ambient soundscape reminiscent of caverns and cathedrals.

An added interest is that this disc is "brain-wave encoded" and is meant to induce a "alpha" state of mind that is very relaxed, for meditation, falling asleep or while sleeping.  While one can question if this kind of encoding actually works, this reviewer has found this disc to be the very best to play while going to sleep and while sleeping (for those who like to listen to music during their night.)

It's also very relaxing even when just played, and is a single 50 minute piece that "loops" and can be played on repeat, continually, as background music, which is works very well as, rather than trying to actively listen to it.  Very much following the ideal of Brian Eno's original definition of 'acoustic colouration' where music is played at a barely audible level, and is meant to "colour" the environment rather than be an active part of it.  This makes it the closest thing to an honest and true "ambient" album after much misuse of the word, probably the best thing since Eno's Discreet Music.

All this said, this is a very peaceful, relaxing, ambient music and would not disappoint those who can appreciate minimalist compositions, but is very specific to these concepts so isn't something that will appeal to those who must have lyrics or choruses or can't live without guitars.  But for those whose tastes run in these circles and who appreciate the music and concepts described above, you will love this classic album.
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This entire CD is one single, 47-minute piece.  Soft electronic tones ebb and flow.  No real themes are introduced, but the piece does slowly evolve and change over time.

Convergence is the musical equivalent of laying on your back outside and staring at the clouds in the sky.  Evocative, suggestive, fun, soothing.  Slow.  A little bit silly.  You notice your own breathing.  

It's also not something everyone wants to do for 45 minutes.  But if you're in the right mood and have the time, it can change your outlook.

Fans of Brian Eno's Discreet Music will enjoy this, as it has a similar sonic palette and listening suggestions ("minimal volume").
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The beauty of repetition. One of the best minimalist works 
ever, and a reliable sleep inducer. Couldn't stop playing this when I got all of their works, along with "fade".
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