It's curious that Ephemerid has taken this name, which refers to an insect that only lives a day as an adult? Perhaps this is a commentary on the fleeting fame of popular songs? Then for contrast, an ammonite is chosen for the imagery on the Icarus Wings album cover, and fossil ammonites have been around for millions of years. Interesting touch of contrast, there. Ephemerid has a light, pleasant, sometimes ethereal, sometimes eerie sound, as on “Megalith“. This makes the listener think of a standing stone misted with rain. “Damselfly“ (a type of ephemerid insect as well as a song title, here) shimmers, sounding very evocative of gossamer wings. This is good music to play while working, as when typing through a writing assignment. It has a supportive feel to it ? the rhythms have a soothing quality, yet are energizing enough to give a boost rather than a nudge into sleep. Put it on, relax, and the long haul will pass more agreeably with Icarus Wings playing to keep you company. Nice debut album. Casual listeners will find it easy on the ears, and mellow, and fans of ambient music can make it an agreeable addition to their collections.

“Classy Enigma-style World Music“ - Excellent. Apochrypha could easily have come from an enigma album, such is the similarity in style here. Using a variety of ethnic percussion and world instruments, together with an assortment of processed vocal samples and brilliant string/pad sounds, Ephemerid have put together a world-class track. Its hard to find anything wrong with it. The melody lines are catchy and original, there's plenty of build-ups and breakdowns creating nice movement and emotion and the production is spot on.

From the heavenly, simple piano notes of the song Evening to the ominous tabla rhythm of Netherland, fans of this category of music will immediately be captivated. The most impressive track would have to be Apocrypha with it's Delerium-esque darkness, eerie whale cries, a sensual but powerful drumloop and the almost hypnotic repetitive Eastern choral chant sample. On the track Lyonesse, beautiful ambient flutes are supported by a laid-back rhythm, reminiscent of Oliver Shanti.

Elegant and sensual, Lost in Dust is a worthy heir to the Enigma/Deep Forest lineage. Indeed, it's sort of "Enigma goes Middle Eastern, with danceable beats wrapped around delicate, masterful piano work and whirling vocal samples. It's music to get utterly lost in, music to surrender to. It is, quite simply put, a soundtrack to an inevitable seduction. Ephermerid should put a disclaimer on his CD that he is not responsible for any losses of innocence that occur while this music is playing. It is potently passionate. Among the best tracks here are "Falling from Grace" and "Silk Floor"--although, truth be told, there isn't a single piece here that isn't a joy to listen to. Moods and tempos switch from song to song without ever losing the cohesive Middle-Eastern thread that ties them all together. All in all, a wonderful piece of work.

'Lost in Dust' continues Ephemerid's exploration of global themes in this opulent fusion of ethno-oriental styled ambient electronica. Parallels can easily be drawn with the likes of Deep Forest, Banco-de-Gaia and Nacho Sotomayor, although Ephemerid isn't afraid to delve deeper and darker, as many of these tracks have a slightly haunting edge. 'Lost in Dust' is a well produced album full of rich ideas that will hopefully put Ephemerid on the ambient electronica map.