Dutch composer Andert Tysma’s sophomore album for R&S’ ambient offshoot, Apollo, is an epic, ambitious affair. The set might start quietly, with a little symphonic shimmer, but even on the opening track the volume and intensity builds. Recorded in part at Nils Frahm’s studio, with stirring strings care of the Berlin Philharmonic, the album, is big, accessible, melodic and musical. While it features all sorts of electronic treatments, processing and drones, it’s not trying to be dark or avant-garde. Yokoso for example begins with trebly vibrato tape effects – like a plucked instrument speeding up and slowing down – but this expands out, via bright pizzicato patterns and woodwind, into a jazzy, spiritual Gondwana-esque soundscape.

Tysma’s prettily pirouetting piano leads many of the pieces, such as Prumes and Waltz For Anubis. However Dalmally swaps the keys for acoustic guitar picking and a touch of trumpet. Appalachian exhibits a folk influence – likely reflecting its mountainous moniker – before the orchestra comes in and sweeps it away. They themselves are eventually overtaken by tumbling, crashing, cathartic, climatic syncopation.

The LP’s title track, Hana, is a complex layered composition. Rapid, urgent, and energetic with a huge emotional pull. Like Wim Mertens’ Struggle For Pleasure arranged by Steve Reich and played by Manuel Gottsching.

Andert Tysma’s Hana can be preordered directly from Apollo.