While it certainly attracts a devoted following, ambient music has a questionable reputation among the music-listening public at large. Of course, many examples of the genre deserve that reputation: too often, so-called ambient music is so passively designed that it's hardly there. It doesn't pique your interest, it doesn't move you; all it does is pass the time while you're sitting in a doctor's office. It's about time, then, that two young up-and-comers gave the genre a good thwacking.

Sonic Adventure Project's Thomas Viehboeck and Peter Koellerer have released several tracks on Cafe Del Mar compilations, but Exergonic is their first full-length. The title is apt -- in fact, surprisingly so -- because although the music never rises above a walking heart rate, it's infused with precisely the sort of energy that's missing from so much other wallpaper music.

Opener "Forty-Two" (a reference to the ultimate answer?) starts on a low heart-rhythm beat that's slowly subsumed by an airy synth. A piano shivers into view, floating effortlessly as the percussion and programming stretch out beneath it. At this point, you can practically hear your subwoofer flexing in anticipation. Finally, the drums break out, only to be reined in. The cycle repeats again and again, teasingly, until at last the synth tone fades out on its own.

"Inner Journey" picks up where "Forty-Two" leaves off -- it sports a similar tempo and a similar vibe, but also features vocalist Julia Fischer's considerable talents. Fischer's voice is light and transparent -- qualities that allow brief flashes of synth to shine through and illuminate every nuance of her vocals.

"Circuit" is surprisingly bouncy, and includes a vaguely anthemic synth riff. As it bobs up and down, spare 909 drums and a funky keyboard melody fill the gaps. The song circles back on itself, layering riff on riff, ultimately creating melodious cacophony.

And so it goes throughout Exergonic: beautiful melodies, expert programming and a chill vibe. If you need a breather, Sonic Adventure Project can help -- but their true charm is in the way they combine their appreciation for relaxation with their ability to keep you tuned in, listening for fresh ideas.