AMG Review of So Flows the Current

Jim Brenholts
All Music Guide

So Flows the Current is one of Patrick O'Hearn's most consistent CDs. The consistency is in the quality. O'Hearn is not one to be tied to one style. This highly recommended CD comes on the heels of some of his work with Steve Roach, whose influence shows in the music's attitudes: This is bolder and has more bravado than most of O'Hearn's other work. He blends electronic and acoustic instruments seamlessly. His deft touch runs the gamut from dark ambient to symphonic synthesizers to new age anthems -- and then to the last three tracks on the disc, which are quite simply the best work that he has done. There are vague references to desert ambience, but these are unique compositions and definitely O'Hearn's; it is his take on electro-tribal ambience. It is deep, dark, and unlike anything he has done before. The tracks represent about one fourth of the disc, and they alone make this an essential CD.