Browsing Tag

ambient

Nim – Avalon: An Expansively Intimate Exploration of Dystopic Ennui

Nim’s latest single, ‘Avalon’, is a testament to his evolution as a multi-instrumentalist and sound designer. From the outset, the track immerses listeners in a world where ambient electronica melds seamlessly with a cinematic synthesis of post-rock and trip-hop. The minor key arrangement, rich in ambient textures, sets an ethereal yet intensely emotive tone to maintain a melancholic undercurrent without becoming overwrought.

The lush reverb sugars the pill of the dystopic ennui, while the desolation in the vocals is so laden with solitude they feel as if they are reaching out from the vastness of space, seeking connection in their isolation.

Nim’s background as a pianist and singer is evident in the meticulous construction of ‘Avalon’. The track defies easy categorisation, drifting through the realms of post-rock, trip-hop, and ambient IDM with a fluidity that speaks to his versatility. The introduction of a trappy backbeat, both solid and glitchy, adds an unexpected yet mellifluous twist, intensifying the track’s introspective mood.

Hit play and journey through Nim’s dystopian vision, where the feel of the music takes precedence and the haunting exploration of malaise resonates long after the last note fades.

Stream Avalon on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

millar explored the depths of ‘atlantis’ in her oceanic indie-pop release

With her latest single, atlantis, the London-based singer-songwriter, millar, plunges listeners into the depths of dream pop with a finesse that speaks volumes of her innovative approach as an ethereal architect of sound.

The track, resonant with themes of introspection and emotional depth, is unparalleled in the indie dream pop landscape. millar’s craftsmanship in blending indie sensibilities with ambient leftfield electronica creates a soundscape as expansive as the ocean itself. The synth lines in “atlantis” don’t just play; they oscillate with a rhythm that mimics the ebb and flow of tides, drawing listeners into a melodious undercurrent.

The lyrics of “atlantis” speak of being out of depth, exploring the worlds within ourselves. It’s a theme that resonates deeply, particularly in an era where introspection has become more significant. millar’s voice acts as a guide through this introspective journey. It’s as if she’s leading us through our own emotional landscapes, mirroring the song’s narrative of self-discovery.

And when the song fades, leaving listeners coming up for air, the impact of millar’s artistry becomes undeniable. Just like every time we hear her, we can’t wait to hear what’s next.

atlantis was officially released on January 12th; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Def Ember synthesised the future into retro melodies in their expansively fusionistic track, Quiddity

Def Ember’s latest seminal release, ‘Quiddity‘, from their double A-side single established the aural alchemist as a forerunner of genre-obliterating innovation. Released on January 26th, this track is a bold venture into unchartered melodic waters. Known for their genre-fluid approach, the Los Angeles-based artist ensured ‘Quiddity’ stands out with its warm meandering rhythms that guide listeners through a serenely dynamic soundscape.

The track skillfully balances a solid, kicking backbeat with mellifluous synth lines and soulfully arresting guitar licks, creating a mesmerising contrast that you can lose yourself in time after time without any of the magic in the polished production getting lost. While the synths bring a touch of nostalgia, the other layers in this smorgasbord of style push the release into the future.

The layered synthetics add depth and complexity without overwhelming the rhythmic pulses, thanks to the track’s meticulous construction and sci-fi-esque ambience. It’s a track that doesn’t just play to the ears but engages the soul, marking an exciting chapter in the artist’s evolving musical journey.

Stream the latest release from Def Ember on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Get in Rhythm with Katerpilla’s Latest Electronica Dreamscape, Shadow Dance

Shadow Dance, a pivotal track from Katerpilla’s latest LP, Sneaking in a Dream, is synthesised sugar for the pill; an aural antidote for the frenetic momentum of the modern era, which defies the conventional boundaries of electronica.

Katerpilla, known offstage as Matthew Chamberlain, weaved a minimalist yet profoundly intricate soundscape that both challenges and seduces the listener; it’s a sophisticated interplay of rhythm and melody.  The genius of Shadow Dance lies in its ability to marry the mechanical with the melodic. Katerpilla’s architectural background shines through in his meticulous construction of sound. Each note and beat is carefully placed, creating a structure that is as robust as it is ethereal.

Sneaking in a Dream signifies a bold step forward from Katerpilla’s debut, Chase the City. While the essence of his creative process remains – the fusion of sounds from diverse synths – there’s a noticeable shift towards a more refined, less layered approach. This stripped-back style results in a darker, more immersive sound, distinct in its genre.

Shadow Dance is a testament to Katerpilla’s skill as a producer. His superlative ability to submerge his audience into hypnotic introspection is unrivalled.  It’s a piece that doesn’t just resonate; it transcends, marking Katerpilla as a visionary artist in a genre that thrives on innovation.

Katerpilla’s new album, Sneaking in a Dream, will be available to stream on all major platforms from February 2nd. Stream it on SoundCloud first.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

frekld cloud sang a lyrical lullaby in ‘Peter Pan’ ft Jxsie Beats

frekld cloud’s latest single, Peter Pan, featuring Jxsie Beats, is a mesmerising journey through a dreamscape where the boundaries of consciousness blur. This single, a harmonious blend of ambient, videogame-inspired instrumentals and delicate pop vocals, invites listeners into a world where music and the inner trappings of a melancholy mind meld seamlessly.

At 19, frekld cloud has already shown a profound depth in his music by intertwining sound with heartfelt emotion. The lyrical lullaby is a vivid illustration of his journey, evolving from a young artist sharing his creations on YouTube and SoundCloud to an emerging voice on the global stage. His commitment to exploring mental health through music, born from a childhood where expression was a challenge, shines through in Peter Pan’s ambient, videogame-like instrumentals, which cradle the narrative of a reflective mind.

Frekld Cloud’s vocals, both soft and resonant, glide over the dreamscape, painting a picture of emotion and introspection. The lyrics, forthright and poignant, draw listeners into the artist’s psyche, exploring themes of freedom, self-awareness, and the complexities of mental health. We can’t wait to join flekld cloud on his next ethereal journey.

Peter Pan is available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The Silent North is oscillating through ‘Parallels’ in his latest ambient instrumental score.

As a sublime continuation from his 2023 EP, Inflections, The Silent North, the musical persona of Scottish solo artist Paul Russell, has broken his proverbial vow of silence to unveil the ambient twilight in his latest instrumental piece, Parallels, an auditory experience that melds tranquillity with intoxicating allure.

Parallels is a testament to Russell’s eclectic mix of influences, artfully blending electronic, ambient, and guitar elements into a cohesive and mesmerising cocktail. The track’s foundation is built upon subtle yet compelling trip-hop rhythms, with all the intricate beats and moody atmospherics within the tonally expansive soundscape which uses reverb to complement the progressions with an ethereal quality.

Far from detracting from the organic feel of the music, the digital touch enhances it, creating a harmonious balance, resulting in a sound that delivers swathes of cross-over appeal. With the planned release of Illuminate in February 2024, The Silent North continues to build a compelling discography that showcases his unique musical vision.

Parallels hit the airwaves on December 1st; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

McCartney and Mezzowave showcased the power of transformative music with ‘Lifeblood’

Lifeblood by McCartney and Mezzowave is a musical embodiment of positive energy and spiritual resonance, reflecting the diverse talents and profound journeys of its creators.

McCartney, a consciousness coach and musician, infuses the track with her signature tranquil, soul-stirring style. Her vocals in Lifeblood serve as an auditory sanctuary, offering a mantra-like quality that inspires a yearning for enlightenment and mindfulness. The deep bass lines in the song complement its uplifting spirit, making it more than just an earworm; it’s a journey into inner peace.

Mezzowave, known for his versatility in electronic music and his role as a TV/film composer, brings a unique depth to the collaboration. His expertise in creating compositions that touch the soul is evident in the way Lifeblood resonates with listeners.

What’s particularly captivating about Lifeblood is its diversity in form. The ambient rendition offers a laid-back, soothing experience, ideal for moments of reflection. The meditation mix is a testament to the track’s spiritual roots, providing a soundscape for inner peace and mindfulness.

The music video’s inclusion of Max’s Ford Consul Classic adds a touch of nostalgia and a subtle nod to the Beatles, enriching the song’s background story. McCartney’s musical heritage, combined with her recent solo debut Calling to the World, demonstrates her natural ability to create music that deeply connects with her audience.

Stream the official music video for Lifeblood on YouTube.

Learn more about McCartney via her official website.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Basil Babychan cast a spectral shadow over his latest filmic score, Insentient Nature

https://soundcloud.com/basilbabychan/insentinent-nature/s-Zo5Ovv7zuQl?si=5165905864934628a4c17bc22fe9047c&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Insentient Nature is the latest cinematically sombre neo-classic score from the avant-garde ambient composer Basil Babychan, who has garnered international critical acclaim for his phantasmally affecting work, which entwines futurism with touches of classical orchestration to create profoundly reflective sonic spaces.

The darkly compelling minor key progressions against the spectral shadows cast by the classical strings and glitchy synths lead the instrumental soundscape into a brand-new depiction of dystopia; one which allows you to see the beauty beyond the consternation. Harbingering the age of the machine and a sense of detachment from the organic world, Babychan taps into our fears, while demonstrating everything has its place and a right to belonging and freedom.

Insentient Nature is due for official release on November 10th; stream it on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Gary Albert orchestrated an ambient neo-classic respite from discomposure in his piano score, Skies

With melodies moulded into the mellifluous form of drifting clouds and ascending motifs which explore the cosmological atmosphere above, the latest ambient score, Skies, from the composer Gary Albert, is an invitation to lose yourself in the transformative power of music, nature, and art.

The neo-classical piano score was crafted to provide respite from the tumultuous fray of our deeply unsettled world, which can all too easily disquiet the psyche; paired with the mesmerism in the official music video, Skies is a musical and visual journey equipped to mainline the antidote to discomposure.

Instead of using Skies as a testament to his multi-award-winning and critically acclaimed talent, Skies served the far more utilitarian purpose of projecting tranquillity into the soundwaves via pulsating reprises, cathartically cascading melodies, and minimalist movement for fans of ambient soundscapes. Rest assured that you will tune into the same accessibility as offered by Nils Frahm and Hani Rani when you delve into this reflectively accordant piece.

The official music video for Skies premiered on September 4th; stream it on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Join Harry Bone in his ambient retro synthscape, Journey

After gaining a background in classical music and a conservatoire degree in orchestral percussion production, the Bristol, UK-based producer, composer, and mixing and mastering engineer Harry Bone started to take a more experimental and lo-fi approach to his sound after discovering that almost anything can serve a musical purpose.

His 2023 ambient album, Ambi, featuring the odyssey voyage of a single, Journey, is a cathartic exhibition of his freshly rendered explorative talents. The reverb-lavish keys weave cinematic melodies while still delivering a chill synthy lo-fi smorgasbord of nostalgic alleviation.

The single was constructed to depict the journey from naval-gazing self-pity towards gratitude and positive affirmative action. By euphonically visualising a trip through the woods while allowing elements of nature to coalesce with memories that still evoke positive emotion, Bone succeeded in crafting a consoling score that will set your imagination alight.

If you’re always on the hunt for soundscapes that facilitate tranquil mental repose, don’t hang around waiting to discover the quiescent gems in Harry Bone’s discography.

Stream the Ambi album on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast