‘Metallic Spheres’ out of this world

Who needs expensive, cutting-edge, commercial space flight?

British electronica group The Orb’s latest album, “Metallic Spheres,” a collaboration with Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour, makes the listener forget the outside world and evokes visions of alien planets on a voyage through the cosmos.

The album’s two tracks are divided into five movements each. Unfortunately, because of the gradual development of each movement, by the time each one blossoms into a rich, interesting sound, the transition to the next begins. This happens several times and is the album’s greatest downfall.

Another low point is a breathy, trite, off-key vocal theme, which is a recurring trend on the album.

Apart from these flaws, the music is very listenable and intriguing. The fusion of Gilmour’s effortless guitar style, which is almost ambient in itself, with the rapidly changing sonic background, is seamless and makes both tracks very enjoyable. Gilmour’s sound dances in and out of its dark surrounding music with a wail here and a well-fitting riff there.

Assuming listeners can overlook the imperfections in “Metallic Spheres,” it will provide them with a relaxing respite from their ordinary, earthly lives.