Trance (trance) n, v, 1. a half-conscious state, seemingly between sleeping and waking, in which the ability to function voluntarily has been suspended. 2. a dazed or bewildered condition. 3. a state of complete mental absorption or deep musing. 4. an unconscious, cataleptic, or hypnotic condition. 5. a type of techno music that utilizes flowing, heavy, repetitive beats underneath varying levels of sound characterized by otherworldly samples and synthesizer motifs.

Bible Of Dreams fulfills the definition. Varying in its levels of motivation, from navel-gazing creepalong, complete with dragging bloops and bleeps without any recognizable rhythm, to full-blown rave trance, Bible Of Dreams is true art-house electronica (warts and all). Although it has more than its fair share of good moments when the beats are driving things along at a reasonable pace, you'll also have to deal with some extended, goopy, go-nowhere exercises in synth minimalism. Where'd I leave my bong? Hmm, not under the couch... but I digress. The short answer: go with Banco De Gaia's Big Men Cry if you're curious about the trance/ambient scene. Bible Of Dreams isn't bad, but to be honest I'm glad that this is the last sentence of this review because I won't have to listen to it again.

-James P. Wisdom