Welcome to the first entry in a new series under the Other Worlds Than These banner: Reviews from the Aural Realms.
In this series, I’ll share music that moves me—works that resonate deeply and align with the atmospheric, immersive worlds I strive to create through my own sound.
For this inaugural review, I’m diving into The Precious Dark, a collaborative album by ambient veteran David Helpling and genre-defying composer Eric “the” Taylor.
Discovery & First Impressions
I was first introduced to David Helpling through the independent label Spotted Peccary Music, known for its focus on immersive soundscapes. His solo album IN quickly became a favorite in my vinyl collection—it’s made several journeys across my turntable already.
I came across Eric “the” Taylor through ambient and electronic music communities on Facebook. We later connected through my livestream show, Monday Musings with Maestoso (which is returning soon—but more on that in a future post).
Over the last few days, I’ve had The Precious Dark playing in the background while doing everything from marketing to administrative work. But it quickly became clear: this album deserves focused attention.
Track-by-Track Reflections
1. The Space Between Atoms
A haunting, atmospheric opening with soft ambient pads immediately sets the tone. A luminous piano melody follows, underpinned by rich, almost grungy bass textures. When the percussion arrives, it carries the piece forward with just the right momentum. The counter-melody that emerges around 3:30 is especially delightful.
The arrangement reminds me of my own compositional style—slow, ambient intros giving way to gentle rhythmic development. This track confirms that such a structure can be profoundly effective.
A powerful opener, both emotionally and musically.
2. The Precious Dark
The title track opens with ambient guitar work—likely David’s signature touch—bathed in echo and delay, gently supported by soft background pads.
While it didn’t initially stand out to me during passive listening, it revealed its depth during dedicated playback. It’s the kind of track that subtly enhances your environment—engaging, but never intrusive.
As the piece evolves, it flows into a gentle piano interlude and returns with ambient guitar, delivering a tender emotional pull. A dusky, cloudlike atmosphere pervades the entire experience.
3. Cavernous Heart
Opening again great ambient pads and piano, this track reinforces the album’s cohesion. There’s a somber depth here that resonates.
I recall David once mentioning this album was intended to be darker than the final result. As a fellow artist, I completely relate—music often evolves into something unexpected, and sometimes that’s where the magic lies.
The delicate, crystalline piano feels like water droplets in a cave, and the addition of orchestral elements brings a cinematic weight.
Gorgeous and grand.
4. The Ice Has Dreams
This one immediately conjured images of John Carpenter’s The Thing—particularly due to the brooding, thudding bass reminiscent of Ennio Morricone’s iconic score. Whether intentional or not, it’s a fitting and immersive aesthetic.
As it progresses, the track softens, introducing piano melodies that balance the tension without diminishing the mystery. A masterclass in ambient cinematic composition—and easily one of my favorites.
5. Her Endless Cold Embrace Text Here
A colder, more enigmatic entry that begins with pulsing melodic fragments—like a distant signal struggling to break through. While it didn’t resonate as strongly with me as the earlier tracks, it remains an excellent piece for ambient listening, ideal as a subtle soundscape during creative work or introspection.
6. For Those in Shadow
The opening melody is immediately captivating. The track layers ambient guitar textures over darker undertones and creative percussion, building toward a brief but powerful cinematic burst. Then it gracefully returns to quieter pads and a beautiful closing motif.
The cohesion between this track and the others is remarkable. David’s ambient guitar work shines here again.
7. We Rise in a Harmonious System
The closing track evokes a sensation of drifting through space—expansive, vast, and serene. The ambient textures and subtle dark undertones tie the entire album together.
The piece evolves gradually, building toward a grander section with what sounds like action strings—perhaps representing a return home from a long, celestial journey. At over 10 minutes, it’s the longest piece on the album, and a deeply rewarding conclusion.
Final Thoughts
The Precious Dark is a triumph of emotional ambient composition. Each track flows naturally into the next, forming a cohesive listening experience filled with both tranquility and tension, softness and structure. Whether you’re reading, driving, or simply unwinding at the end of the day, this album belongs in your rotation—especially after dusk, in the quiet comfort of your own “precious dark.”
My only wish? That it existed on vinyl. But the 24-bit FLAC download that comes with the CD release from Spotted Peccary is a stellar alternative—it’s now a proud addition to my personal music archive.
– Keith (aka Maestoso)
Listen / Purchase
About the Artists
David Helpling
David Helpling is an award-winning recording artist whose genre-blurring sound has captivated the ambient music world. Known for lush soundscapes and his signature “liquid guitar” textures, David continues to push creative boundaries from his Southern California studio. With eight releases and more in progress, his music remains both innovative and timeless.
🔗 Website | Spotify
Eric “the” Taylor
Eric began his journey as a drummer in the ’90s alternative scene of Upstate NY, later evolving into a composer through the world of electronic percussion and synths. He studied under Jerry Marotta and Rupert Greenall and went on to form the ambient project The Fragile Fate. His collaborations include work with Robert Rich, Mick Chillage, and Simon Matthews.
🔗 Website | Spotify