Top 10 Downtempo/Chillout/Psychill&Psybient Albums of 2025

The title is a mouthful. I apologize. The reason for this, is because not all of the following albums have a psychedelic flair to them. But they all have one thing in common: They are in the Top 10 list because they put out beautiful downtempo electronic music this year.

This year was difficult for me and new music. I just was having a difficult time finding new releases, and when I did, nothing stood out to me. Suddenly at the very end of the year a friend linked me to a website that listed a ton of new releases (shoutout to psyfeed.org). So picture me in December, frantically listening to all the new music of 2025 that had come out in that year. The fact remains, however, that I did find the new music, and I did find great new music. Here they are: I will let the music speak for itself here!

10. Emog - Temple of the Turning Sun

psychill

9. Lotus - Sounds of Snow

psybient, chilltrance (chillgressive)

8. Sundial Aeon - Nebulosis

psybient

7. Invisible Garden - Nautis

psychill

6. Brokenblender - Aether

psybass

5. Tales From The Path 2 - Kalya Scintilla

psybass

4. Psybur - Sporelight

psychill

3. Mattura - Rites of Passage

psybass

2. Magnetik - Renaissance

downtempo electronic

1. Geoglyph - Otherworldly

psychill

Congratulations to the Top 10 of 2025!

Top 10 Psychill/Psybient Albums of 2024

Get ready to dive deep into the psychedelic abyss! Our annual Top 10 Psychedelic Chill Albums of 2024 is here. Remember, everyone's trip is unique, so what's trippy to one might be mellow to another.

This year, we've been completely captivated by the mind-bending sounds of psydub. While I'm not not usually into psydub as much as the other styles, 2024 has delivered some truly groundbreaking artists who've redefined the genre.

We'll start with #10:

10. Squazoid - Electronic Heart

Squazoid's 'Electronic Heart' plunges deep into the psychedelic abyss with a sonic tapestry woven from shimmering reverb, echoing delays, and filters that warp reality. Pulsating beats intertwine with tantalizing hints of ethnic flavors, creating a mesmerizing soundscape that demands your undivided attention. (Did you know 'Electronic Heart' was recorded entirely live in a single session, capturing the raw energy and spontaneity of Squazoid's performance?)

9. Kick Bong - Elevation

Kick Bong's 'Elevation' crafts a deeply emotional psychill experience, a sonic journey through ethereal soundscapes. Delicious basslines pulse beneath layers of mesmerizing synth textures, creating a sense of soaring elevation and satisfying the inner adventurer's craving for sonic exploration. The album features flute by Mylene Coubronne on the tracks "Escape Time" and "The Wave". This adds an interesting element to those specific tracks.

8. Sundial Aeon - Aquamorphosis:

Sundial Aeon's 'Aquamorphosis' invites you on a tranquil voyage through sonic landscapes, a departure from their more intensely psychedelic past. While the journey may be smoother, you're still floating on a cloud of pure bliss, surrendering to the music's gentle currents as it carries you to uncharted sonic shores.

7. Moon Tripper - Echoes of Freedom:

With 'Echoes of Freedom,' Moon Tripper weaves a tapestry of sound, where psychedelic textures intertwine with soothing melodies, creating an atmosphere of pure enchantment. It's a journey into the heart of magic and wonder, a sonic escape that resonates deep within.

6. Psyrius - Return to Sol: 

Prepare for liftoff with Psyrius' 'Return to Sol,' a reimagining of their 2015 release, 'Sorry Pluto.' This album is a cosmic tapestry woven from shimmering psychill textures, creating an out-of-this-world atmosphere. While the inclusion of vocals (a full song and vocalizations elsewhere) didn't fully resonate with me, the instrumental sections are pure sonic bliss.

5. Globular - Lifts The Curse of the Grey Goo Assimilators : 

Globular unleashes a sonic antidote to monotony with 'Lifts The Curse of the Grey Goo Assimilators,' a funky, dub-infused explosion of bubbly, bass-driven goodness. This album is pure sonic joy, a guaranteed mood booster that will have you grooving from start to finish.

4. Ott - Hiraeth: 

Ott's 'Hiraeth' is a mind-bending journey into a kaleidoscopic soundscape, a jumbly, jittery, and utterly funky explosion of sonic textures. Prepare for a wild ride through distorted basslines, glitchy rhythms, and otherworldly melodies that will leave you feeling simultaneously exhilarated and delightfully disoriented.

3. Zymosis - Memento: 

Zymosis showcases their mastery of sound design with 'Memento,' a dynamic exploration of up-tempo and midtempo grooves. This album is a showcase of slick instrumentation and intricate production, delivering fast-paced mind-benders that will impress even the most discerning listener.

2. Auratech - Shambala: 

Auratech's 'Shambala' is a sonic pilgrimage to a mythical realm. Imagine swirling textures, pulsating rhythms, and soaring melodies, all underpinned by a truly badass bass that resonates deep within. This album is a feast for the senses, a journey through trippy beats and mind-bending FX that will leave you spellbound.

And #1 goes to...

1. Cabeiri - Beyond Time: 

With 'Beyond Time,' Cabeiri crafts a sonic world that transcends the ordinary. Haunting mysticism intertwines with supreme electronic vibes, creating a captivating atmosphere. Excellent synth lines dance across brilliant beats, while smooth pads provide a lush backdrop for the involving story that unfolds across the tracks. This is upbeat and midtempo electronic music elevated to an art form.

2024 proved to be a veritable treasure trove for psychill and psybient enthusiasts. The sheer volume of releases made the task of curation a challenging but ultimately rewarding endeavor. After countless hours of listening, these ten albums emerged as true gems, each offering a unique and captivating sonic journey. I'm confident that these selections represent some of the finest offerings the genre had to offer this year.

Have a listen to these YouTube clips of each album and tell  me which one is YOUR favorite!

2023 Top Chill Albums

Top 10 Chill Albums of 2023

Get ready to groove, because here comes the much-anticipated countdown of the top 10 psychill/chill/psybass albums of 2023! This year was an absolute arctic blast for chill music – a real treat for our ears. We've got tunes that are diverse, soul-stirring, and a whole lot of fun, all wrapped up with some seriously awesome production quality (and believe me, I listened to a ton!). So, without further ado, let's dive into the beats!

10. Klaada - The Remixes: A treasure trove of remixes by various artists, and it's got quite the variety. From psybass vibes to Middle Eastern flavors and a hint of dub, this one's a real gem. 

9. One Arc Degree - The Forest and the Milky Way: It's like taking a chill pill while watching the galaxy whirl by. There's a nice blend of ambient and groovy beats here, creating a mesmerizing experience. 

8. Perpetual Loop - SoloChillinInTheBackGardenOfMyMind: Chillgressive with a touch of ambient magic. Dreamy melodies and engaging synths make this a delight! 

7. Spoq - First Contact: This one's psychill with a focus on heavier beats and bass, creating a symphony of pleasure for your ears. 

6. Sundial Aeon - Regenesis: Get ready for deep and immersive sounds. It's a blend of ambient with a psychedelic melody and quick-paced beats. Complex and layered, deserving of a respectable 6th place.

5. Carbon Based Lifeforms - Seeker: If you're into chilled goodness, this one's a treat. It's like a nostalgic trip to the old-school sounds of CBL or Solar Fields. Intricate melodies make it an easy star!

4. Kayla Scintilla - Mumijo: This one's an awesome sonic journey with organic drumming and thick psybass. It's like a whirlwind of loops, synths, and organic instruments that'll take you to another dimension. 

3. Astronaut Ape - Openness: This one's a bit like a slow-burning campfire that grows warmer with each listen. It might not instantly grab you, but it's got those familiar vibes reminiscent of the 2016 album "Unknown Sector." Think lush soundscapes, groovy beats, and other sonic goodies. 

2. Phutureprimative - Mind’s Eye: Chunky basslines, dreamy melodies, and a dash of moodiness make this one a tasty treat. 

and..#1 is:

1. Auratech - Eternity: Delve into deeper psychill, bordering on psybass, with trippy and captivating sounds. Definitely worth a #1 placement. 

How I Became Addicted... to Electronic Music

 Before I was born, my mom met my dad at a lounge near the SeaTac airport. My dad was a DJ there, and after they got married, he started working as a DJ for a mobile music company where he'd be hired to do weddings and other events. So I was around music from the day I was born. My favorite band at age 3 was Three Dog Night. I also really enjoyed Olivia Newton John's "Let's Get Physical". 

I was given a tiny electric organ that I thought was really cool. I didn't ever learn to play piano or know the notes, I was ahem... 3 years old... (I guess some people learn at that age and then go on to be Mensa members)...but I enjoyed playing with the sounds.

 

Growing up as a young pre-teen I was into New Kids on The Block. Of course, who wasn't? And I enjoyed radio hits including pop and rock. As I got a little older i enjoyed rap and hip-hop until it all changed one day, in April of 1994. Kurt Cobain shot himself in the head and died. This was in Seattle, near where I lived. And then all the local radio stations started playing alternative rock, including the rap & r&b hip-hop station. (Radio stations were still a big thing in the 90s). I soon grew accustomed to listening to alternative, and less focused on hip-hop to the point I no longer enjoyed rap and hip-hop music. So when the hip-hop station started playing actual hip-hop again, I tuned into the alternative music station.

 

That is where I first heard EDM. They would play the Chemical Brothers and the Crystal Method, as well as many others, like Prodigy. I was very impressed with how this music could make sounds traditional instruments could not. It was calling me, and I was ready. This was circa 1995.

Cut to 2000. I have a computer and-dial up internet. Somehow I came across a copy of Sonic Foundry's Acid Pro software. I found loops on the internet or made them myself, and would stick 'em all together to create my own music. When this felt like it was going to be something more than just playing around, I got a copy of FL Studio, back then it was called Fruity Loops. I made my own sounds and then would piece them together in Acid.

My first track was something called "Foreign Moon" and I still have a recording of it somewhere to this day. My last track I ever made was 1 month ago, called "Project999". My styles have changed over the years so I no longer use the "Redgloam" moniker, instead opted for a much more jovial artist name of ManiK Fox. 

https://soundcloud.com/manikfox

 

And that is pretty much my journey. I went to raves and parties a lot in the early 00's as well, which gave me the appreciation for multiple styles of electronic such as Drum & Bass, Techno, House, and Trance.

 

Then I got into psychedelic trance, or Psytrance for short. My favorite music has always been chillout though, and when I discovered Psychill (sometimes called Psybient) I fell in love. It has all the elements I like. I enjoy a good beat, either a hip hop beat or something that just punches hard, and twisted psychedelic sounds or soothing ambient tones. It all is so good and I love it. 

Feel free to have a listen to my ManiK Fox stuff and drop a comment here or on SoundCloud to tell me what you think.

Psybass in Your Face

 

A new obsession of mine in the music world is Psybass. It is a cross between psychedelic chillout and bass music. It layers funky, psychedelic sounds with some fresh bass elements that bring a sort of "foresty" vibe. Like you're being playful in a forest or something. You know what I mean.

My favorite track is by Symbolico:

The simple use of a vocal track cut and then repeated "I'm Free" is great.

Another favorite of mine is Cosmic Touch (I can't find the exact track I like on YouTube so here's an EP that is good):

https://cosmictouch.bandcamp.com/

If you enjoyed this sampling of good Psybass music check out the new releases at http://psybient.org. 

Top 10 Psychill/Chillout-y Downtempo of 2021

 It's that time of year! Time to show off the top 10 chill albums from 2021. In the non-electronic world of music, I was a bit disappointed. I mean, all these rock and pop and country groups had all of 2020 sitting at home to put together really great material, but it seems like re-releases, remix albums, and crummy EP's were all anyone did! Not so, in the electronic world. It was very difficult this year picking a #1. And a #2. And a #3... you get the hint. There was a lot of good music this year in the chillout world. It was hard to narrow it down, so let me just say congrats to all of these Top-10-ers, they put out some great work!

#10. Zero Cult - Eclectica 

Youtube 

I'll start you off with a gem from Zero Cult. Perfectly smooth and hitting all the right spots, Eclectica is a smart album with plenty of  subtle psychedelic hints and emotional melodies that make it beautiful. 

#9. Dense - Reflux Compressor 

Youtube

Reflux Compressor is only one of the albums Dense came out with in 2021, but to my ears it was the more psychedelic, more magical of them. This is an album you could definitely turn off the lights, put some headphones on, and tune yourself into another dimension.

 

#8. 121569 - Mermaid Marmalade

Youtube 

Mermaid Marmalade is an album by one of Side Liner's projects, 121569. I didn't find information on the unique artist name, but I did find that the album cover was a drawing done by his daughter. This album has some pretty cool lo-fi hip and trip hop beats with some pizazz thrown in for good measure. The tracks are all pretty short, but it is a fun jam.

 

#7. Eelison - When The Sea is Cooling Down

Youtube 

Some mellow liquid dubstep for you here. Blissful beats, soothing melodies, and vocals. Can I just say, I hate vocals in my electronic music? It's true. But these are actually very lovely and haunting, and fit the tracks perfectly. I had this album on repeat for about a week without listening to anything else, it was very nice.

 

#6. Hidden Frequency - Thoughts of Imagination

Youtube 

 Thoughts of Imagination is a truly jazzy trip hop album that surpasses the others. It blends some truly phat beats with that very chilled out groovy sound to make a mellow evening more fun. Play this one while driving in your car under the moon with your windows rolled all the way down. 

 

#5. Tengri - Best of Chillout

Youtube 

This one was #1 for a good part of the year because the beauty was so intense. Most of these songs were previously released on other albums, so it sort of breaks my rules, but it is such a great collection of psychedelic tribal psychill that I absolutely could not help put it on the list. The amount of mysticism goes far on this album, with enchanting tribal drums, chanting vocals, didgeridoos, and shimmering sequences. Haunting and psychedelic.

#4. Cosmic Touch - Nirvana

Bandcamp 

This turned into #1 for a long time after Tengri's album. This psybass album is seemingly perfect, fun, oozing with incredible psychedelic beats and sounds, twisting around in your brain, driving you crazy. The overall aura and vibe, alone, of this album is worth mentioning. A very fun listen, but I recommend some psilocybin if you want to make the experience go off the rails, in a good way.

 

#3. Kiphi - Move The Stars Here

Youtube

Then, this album became my #1 spot when I first heard it. It has a rather old-school psychill/psybient flavor to it, circa 2008/2009 or earlier, that I just love. The pacifying pads and soft hints of melody and wonder delight the senses, no doubt about it. You'll feel like you are floating on a cloud while listening to this album.

 

#2. Sundial Aeon - Synthesis

Youtube 

Wow, talk about psychedelic! I hear some acidic 303 sounds in this album, very tasty and crunchy. The soft squelch just gets me every time. Reassuring pads, satisfying synths, and effective beats really put you in a psychedelic mind frame inside a joyful atmosphere. I wouldn't skip a single track, and this quickly shot up to #1 as I listened more and more.  

Are you ready for #1.?

Drum Roll...

#1. Ten Madison - Borealis

Youtube

This album is #1 because I couldn't stop listening to it. I was surprised by this one, too, because all those many years ago before discovering psychedelic downtempo music, I discovered jazzy/housey chillout music, and Ten Madison provided that for me. I could imagine this album being played in outer space. Dreamy and spacey, surpassing time. At times epic, at other times thoughtful, the pace and the sentiment on this album was blatantly perfect.  Time to cough up 6 million dollars for a trip on Blue Origin. Stick this in your earbuds and off you go!

I hope you can click on all the links to have a listen to the song I picked to represent each album, and as always, be sure to support the artists! Have a happy 2022... and may music be even BETTER than it was in 2021!

Cheers.