I think all these tracks work despite the grating sounds because the composer has good control over the range of the spectrum. The sound is full, but not overly saturated with too much low or high (or just too much of everything). And the music also travels between low and high and between full and thin, allowing the ear to rest and experience something new.

Also, I think this piece could be longer. The impression of endlessness wants to go on longer, maybe with very slow change. It doesn't quite feel like the idea has run its course.

The constant pulsing of different elements adds a feeling of endlessness - great in this case, since this is about the sun.

@swall: deer-in-the-headlights kind of effect perhaps?

@Attempt No Landing There: me too, strangely. it's a bit paradoxical, part of my brain is saying "this grates" but my concious is totally numbed and transfixed.

i really enjoy this - it calms me