If you’re a fan of ambient house and electronic music, you likely appreciate the genre’s ability to transport you to otherworldly soundscapes. The Orb is a pioneer in this realm, blending ambient, dub, and house elements into a unique auditory experience. If you’re looking to explore more artists with a similar vibe, here are 19 bands and musicians you should definitely check out.
1. Boards of Canada
Boards of Canada is known for their ambient, downtempo music that often incorporates nostalgic and psychedelic elements. Their albums Music Has the Right to Children and Geogaddi are essential listens for any fan of the genre.
2. Aphex Twin
Richard D. James, better known as Aphex Twin, has a diverse discography that spans ambient, techno, and experimental electronic music. Key albums include Selected Ambient Works 85-92 and Drukqs.
3. Future Sound of London
Future Sound of London (FSOL) is celebrated for their intricate soundscapes and genre-blending tracks. Their album Lifeforms is a landmark in ambient music, while Dead Cities showcases their more experimental side.
4. Autechre
Autechre, part of the Warp Records roster, are known for their complex, abstract electronic compositions. Albums like Tri Repetae and Amber are must-listens for those interested in the more experimental side of electronic music.
5. Biosphere
Biosphere, the project of Norwegian musician Geir Jenssen, is renowned for its ambient and downtempo works. Substrata and Patashnik are standout albums that showcase his ability to create immersive sound environments.
6. Global Communication
Global Communication, a duo consisting of Tom Middleton and Mark Pritchard, is famed for their ambient and chill-out tracks. Their album 76:14 is considered a classic in the genre.
7. Orbital
Orbital, formed by brothers Phil and Paul Hartnoll, has been a staple in the electronic music scene since the early ’90s. Albums like In Sides and Snivilisation feature a mix of ambient, techno, and house elements.
8. Underworld
Underworld is best known for their hit “Born Slippy .NUXX,” but their discography includes a wide range of ambient and electronic tracks. Albums like Dubnobasswithmyheadman and Second Toughest in the Infants are essential listens.
9. The KLF
The KLF, also known as The Justified Ancients of Mu Mu, were pioneers in the ambient house genre. Their album Chill Out is a seminal work that blends ambient sounds with spoken word and field recordings.
10. Massive Attack
While Massive Attack is often associated with trip-hop, their music also incorporates significant ambient elements. Albums like Mezzanine and Blue Lines are filled with atmospheric tracks that resonate with ambient house fans.
11. Air
French duo Air is known for their lush, ambient soundscapes and downtempo grooves. Their debut album Moon Safari is a classic, featuring hits like “Sexy Boy” and “All I Need.”
12. Moby
Moby has a diverse catalog that spans ambient, electronic, and rock music. His album Play is particularly notable for its ambient tracks, including “Porcelain” and “Everloving.”
13. Tangerine Dream
Pioneers in electronic music, Tangerine Dream have a vast discography that includes ambient, new-age, and progressive rock. Albums like Phaedra and Rubycon are essential listens for ambient music enthusiasts.
14. Brian Eno
Brian Eno is often credited with inventing ambient music, and his works are foundational to the genre. Albums like Ambient 1: Music for Airports and Apollo: Atmospheres and Soundtracks are must-listens.
15. The Future Sound of London
FSOL, as they are often abbreviated, have a knack for creating deeply immersive soundscapes. Their album Lifeforms is a masterclass in ambient music, blending organic and electronic sounds seamlessly.
16. Ulrich Schnauss
Ulrich Schnauss is known for his lush, melodic ambient music. Albums like A Strangely Isolated Place and Goodbye feature dreamy soundscapes that are perfect for relaxation and introspection.
17. Carbon Based Lifeforms
This Swedish duo specializes in ambient and downtempo music with a cosmic twist. Albums like Hydroponic Garden and World of Sleepers are filled with ethereal, spacey tracks that transport the listener to another dimension.
18. Shpongle
Shpongle blends psybient, psytrance, and world music elements to create a unique auditory experience. Albums like Are You Shpongled? and Tales of the Inexpressible are filled with intricate, psychedelic soundscapes.
19. Tycho
Tycho, the project of Scott Hansen, combines ambient music with downtempo and chillwave elements. Albums like Dive and Awake are perfect for those who appreciate melodic, atmospheric tracks.