Let's just get this out of the way first:

Aphelion -- the point in the orbit of a planet or comet that is at the greatest distance from the sun

From the moment you put on this disc, you'll know you aren't in Kansas anymore.  I've wanted to review it for weeks, but didn't feel I had a proper handle yet because each time I would put it on, my mind wandered all over the galaxy.  I kept thinking, pay attention!  But then the thought dawned on me that this music is so effective for that very reason -- it defies all attempts to rationally approach it or pigeon-hole it.

For those of you unfamiliar with Todd's soundscapes, his ambient terrain is unlike almost any other artist working in the field.  The first names that pop in my head when trying to share his work with others though are Jeff Greinke for his processing of urban sound environments and especially Michael Stearns for his sense of otherworldly atmospherics.  Or maybe M. Griffin for creating a sense of an immersive journey...

But ultimately, Todd's vision is uniquely his own.  You'll find yourself gravitating to his uncanny power to rivet you and yet defy your expectations of what "music" can be.  Like being hypnotized, he lulls you into an alpha state perfect for drifting and dreaming, star gazing or settling into that hyper-creative state that must be experienced to be understood.

You'll find yourself coming back to it again and again and not knowing exactly why.  Aphelion does what few other artistic works manage these days: take you somewhere you've never been before, challenge you and yet never break the level of trust between you and the work.  You know you're in safe hands with Todd.  You'll arrive back where you started -- but infinitely better for having taken the journey.

Until space flight becomes available for the masses, this is the best shot we've got at blasting off into another galaxy.  After you've heard Aphelion, you'll want to get in line now for the first ticket into orbit.

He's talented, this Mr. Snow.  And what's better still, he's just coming into his own.  

Dream on, Todd.  Thanks for taking us with you on your sonic flight into the stars.
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