A fantastic and dynamic recording, Smile on the Void is a thoughtful compilation of varying works. It could be tied together a little tighter thematically, but this collection of recordings manages to be just different enough to be interesting. A Produce's work is thoughtfully arranged, and the sequence of the tracks provides for an interesting and tasteful sonic excursion into a world of dream-laden contemplation. One unique aspect of this recording is the different types of sounds A Produce has managed to coax out of his equipment. Whether it's the synthesizers that he's using, the post-production work, or a combination of the two, A Produce's chosen timbres and the way they are blended, cross-faded, and ultimately mixed brings the listener into the very core of the music. This collection is also different from A Produce's previous Hypnos work, Altara, the 1999 collaboration with M. Griffin, because it isn't all atmospheric ambient -- there's some djembe, guitar, and a variety of other carefully chosen timbres. Smile on the Void has a very distinct sound -- it's dark, and placid in places, but very organic and warm in others -- thus, another way that the recording's dynamic is illustrated. ~ Matt Borghi, All Music Guide
Loren Nerell (?), Scott Fraser (Guitar), Scott Fraser (Editing), Dean de Benedictis (Synthesizer), Dean de Benedictis (Djembe), Dean de Benedictis (Fills), Joe Producer (Synthesizer), Joe Producer (Piano (Electric)), Ruben Garcia (Piano (Electric)), A Produce (Main Performer), Mark Mushet (Photography)
