The Drake Equation

Through rarefied air

The Drake Equation was devised by Dr Frank Drake in 1960, in an attempt to estimate the number of extraterrestrial civilizations in our galaxy that we are likely to come in contact with. The equation should allow scientists to quantify the uncertainty of the factors which determine the number of potential extraterrestrial civilizations.

N = R^* \times f_p \times n_e \times f_l \times f_i \times f_c \times L

N is the number of potential civilisations which we may encounter.
R* galactic star formation rate average
fp starts that have planets
ne planets likely to support life
fl likeliness to develop life
fi likeliness to develop intelligent life
fc likeliness of technological level distinguished by long distance communication
L length of time these civilisations are likely to send long distance singals for

The Drake Equation is also the name of an electronic music band based in Brisbane , Australia who recently mailed us their independently released CD.

What a wonderful choice for a name! Their album “Through rarefied air” received an instant liking, not only because of the band name, but also for its minimal yet inspiring album artwork. And this is all even BEFORE you get to listen to it.

The first taste of their music truly matches the expectations set by their contextual and visual setting. The album opens with “below the surface” track with an unusual mix of digital and analogue sounds mixed into a wonderful swirly of lightly progressive composition which gradually grows into something slightly rhythmic.

The rest of the album takes the listener through a variety of interesting tracks, some of them with quite a nice danceable beat to it. One thing is consistent though, and this is what is good about this album – the fact that it’s true to its theme.

All throughout this collection of tracks the listener feels and lives the themes from future, remote and lonely planetary landscapes, vastness of the space between the two solar systems…. Machines.

This CD should be in a music collection of every true electronc music lover, however if you are looking for a rave DJ set material think twice as you might find some tracks on this album quite unsuitable. “Through rarefied air” has been composed inteligently with lots of care and passion for musical expression and should be listened as such. Do yourself a favour and listen to this release from start to finish without skipping any tracks, just like we did.

Four and a half out of five stars from Analogik!

Well done.

Written by admin