10 tracks. Running time 5:31:09 The liner notes of Songs of Praise and Torture recount times when David – aka Oenyaw -- and a friend played certain albums to clear the house of people. I don't suppose that's his intention with this album, but long concentrated listening sessions would only be for hardcore ambient fans. For me what works best is dipping in to listen to just a couple of tracks. Tracks 1 and 2 are companion pieces. First up is “Invocation” where the drones have a hard humming texture augmented by the electric ripples of neon lights or power lines. Listen carefully and you'll notice that the slowly circling drones also undulate. On a few pieces Oenyaw is pushing past drones and exploring more musical styles. In “Indian Summer” atmospheric and harmonious layers of guitar create a relaxed mood and make this one of Oenyaw's tracks that can easily be listened to as music rather than just background. The darkest track has to be “An Evening in the Lion's Den”. More hard humming sounds slowly change form into what seems like a blur of white noise drones. Careful listening will discern layers of sound that gradually devolve to a dark rumble like something disquieting on the horizon. Closing this epic length album is the peaceful “Sunrise on North Field”. Essentially it's an exploration of “wah-ing” effects echoing across the soundscape. Like most of Oenyaw's work it's minimalist in execution but the repeated effect is kind of charming, and even poignant. No doubt it'd be a superb accompaniment to watching the glowing embers of a setting sun. Of all Oenyaw's albums this for me is the most accessible. It's good to see him finding more musical textures and tones while still holding true to the ideal of genuinely ambient music which can be left playing in the background.