For All Mankind
“For All Mankind” marks the striking debut single from Australian progressive rock trio Ambient Den — a bold new venture uniting the talents of acclaimed solo artist Ben Craven with pianist Tim Bennetts and drummer Dean Povey. Renowned for his lush, cinematic soundscapes and collaborations with prog icons like William Shatner, United Progressive Fraternity, The Samurai Of Prog, and Billy Sherwood (Yes), Craven brings his trademark melodic depth and studio mastery to the fore. Together, the trio crafts an immersive sonic experience that signals the arrival of something truly special in the prog world.
“For All Mankind” is a daring, otherworldly entry into the canon of Australian space rock, combining progressive time structures with sweeping sonic ambition. Set in an off-kilter 7/8 time signature, the track is a driving, disorienting journey that mirrors the unpredictable trajectory of the space race itself. A layered arrangement of analog synths, soaring guitar textures, and locked-in rhythm work gives the song an urgent propulsion — fitting for a narrative rooted in competition, dominance, and destiny.
Lyrically, “For All Mankind” reflects on the intense geopolitical rivalry that fueled humanity’s first steps on the Moon, but does so with a knowing wink. There’s a dual meaning baked into every line: on the surface, it’s about triumph and transcendence, but beneath, there’s a raw, primal energy. The language of rockets, thrust, and ignition hints at a deeper desire — not just to explore space, but to claim it, to seed it, to extend humanity’s reach in both a literal and metaphorical sense. It’s a song about ambition, yes, but also about the urges and instincts that drive us to reach beyond our limits.
“For All Mankind” is perfect for late-night programming, space-themed sets, or any show exploring the weirder edges of rock. Fans of King Gizzard, Pink Floyd, Genesis or Hawkwind will find familiar gravity here — while the rhythmic experimentation and layered narrative invite deeper listening.
Earthrise
Following the driving propulsion of their debut single “For All Mankind,” Ambient Den returns with “Earthrise,” the second single from their self-titled concept album — a sweeping, emotionally resonant journey through space and psyche. Where the first track charted humanity’s urgent thrust into the cosmos, “Earthrise” pauses in awe, capturing the fragile beauty of our home planet from the cold vantage point of the Moon.
Inspired by the iconic Apollo 8 photograph, the song imagines the emotional gravity of seeing Earth hanging in the void — delicate, blue, and alive. It’s a moment of reflection amidst the vastness, blending lush instrumental textures with melodic motifs that shimmer and swirl like solar wind. In this moment, the Earth is a beacon of comfort for the traveler — a reminder of origins, of ecosystems in balance, and of everything at stake.
But as the song progresses, there’s a gentle melancholy: the Earth eventually sets, slipping below the Moon’s horizon. The moment passes, and the astronaut (a stand-in for all of us) must continue forward — toward uncertainty, toward new worlds, toward survival.
“Earthrise” is an ideal track for reflective sets, sci-fi themes, or progressive programming that leans into the cinematic. As with all of Ambient Den’s work, the track balances technical finesse with emotional storytelling — and will resonate with fans of Pink Floyd, Mike Oldfield or Steven Wilson.
Terraforming
With “Terraforming,” Ambient Den unveils their most ambitious sonic vision yet — a sweeping, wordless odyssey that tells the story of humanity reshaping a new world for habitation. Released here as a specially crafted single edit from the album’s 17-minute instrumental centrepiece, “Terraforming” showcases the trio’s dynamic range, compositional maturity, and their commitment to cinematic, progressive storytelling.
The track opens with gentle piano motifs and classical guitar passages that suggest a cautious optimism — the first steps on alien soil. These delicate movements evoke a sense of reverence, both for the untouched landscape and the monumental task ahead. Gradually, the piece expands, building tension and scale through layers of guitar textures, swelling organ, and the distant rumble of percussion.
By the midsection, “Terraforming” erupts into thunderous Wagnerian grandeur — huge, crashing drums, distorted guitars, and searing harmonic shifts that conjure the epic violence and beauty of planetary transformation. It’s humanity as both creator and destroyer, sculpting an environment from the raw elements of a foreign world.
Even without lyrics, “Terraforming” speaks volumes. It’s a vivid musical narrative, guiding listeners through hope, upheaval, and the awe-inspiring scale of cosmic ambition. As part of Ambient Den’s self-titled concept album, the track sits at a crucial turning point — where the emotional journey of leaving Earth becomes the physical process of building a new home.
Perfect for long-form, atmospheric programming or progressive rock specials, “Terraforming” offers a rare kind of instrumental storytelling — one that rewards repeat listens and invites deep immersion. Fans of Mike Oldfield, Yes, or post-rock with classical depth will find a new favourite here.
Future History Part 2
With “Future History Part 2,” Ambient Den closes their debut album not with a sombre farewell — but with a full-blown celebration. This final single is a swaggering, funk-drenched fusion of wah-soaked guitars, clavinet grooves, syncopated horns, and jazz-laced turns that feel somewhere between Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, Earth, Wind & Fire, and a Martian lounge band on opening night.
It’s the most unabashedly fun moment on the record — an exclamation point after the heavy existential themes explored throughout the album. Musically, it’s confident and slick, brimming with groove and big-band energy, but the lyrical tone brings a layered twist.
On one level, “Future History Part 2” is a love song to a new beginning — a funky anthem celebrating life on the newly terraformed world. The air is clean, the skies are new, and humanity is dancing into its next chapter. But there’s also a winking satire woven through the slick delivery. The lyrics, phrased with ad-jingle charm and just a hint of showroom polish, start to sound like a glossy tourism campaign: “Book your place among the stars!” It’s optimism sold in bulk, future utopia as branded experience.
This double meaning gives the track its bite. Even in a new world, human habits persist — especially the tendency to package, market, and monetize wonder. It’s both euphoric and slightly suspicious, and that tension is part of what makes the track so compelling.
“Future History Part 2” is perfect for crossover sets — prog, funk, fusion, even jazz-leaning shows will find a place for this one. It’s Ambient Den at their loosest, grooviest, and most playfully subversive.
Review by Robin Larsen (staff writer at Desert Comb Music)