An unexpectedly provocative organic ambiance emerged this August, the heavy atmospheric reverberation of guitar tones, not evolving nor gathering momentum, but simply meandering through a space, to recreate the essence or feeling of a setting sun.
Instrumental
Delicate, organic keys, playful synths and unique but thoughtful grooves. Belgian guitarist, composer and artist Life Minder has carved out an engaging and memorable new project, with the striking originality and timeless imagination of Omnitus.
My biggest ambition is to create music that feels like a refuge, something people can step into and feel completely safe, understood, and connected. I don’t just want to release songs; I want to build experiences that stay with people, moments that can offer them peace or strength when they need it most.
To introduce the unique composition style and playing of Parachute Eyes, Thoughts Escaping is ideal. The release opens up with a sincere and distinct, undistorted guitar tone and melody, and sets a likeable groove for around three minutes, before shifting suddenly but fittingly, to a more distorted, power-chord and structurally intense approach.
Producer and pianist Craigology delivers a smooth to funky instrumental collection of tracks this summer, utilising a mellow, nostalgic keys tone and colourful backdrop, for the dreamy optimism of Just Imagine.
The music is divinely delicate, but also quietly commandeering, and this strength is piercingly notable throughout the likes of highlights Plaza and Misterioso. There’s also a profoundly all-consuming depth of sound to the healing frequency and power of Cavern – an intoxicating closing track, confirming the essential power of music in temporarily freeing us from the jagged edges of modern life.
Award-winning composer, pianist and soundtrack creator Javier Rodriguez has built up an unrivalled repertoire over time, creating renowned music and projects for TV, media campaigns, brands and institutions across the globe.
Where much of modern music feels the need to fill every moment with sound and noise and something attention grabbing, this project offers creativity and sound the time and space to breathe, and in doing so, offers its audience the same kind of serenity and intrigue.
“Honestly, it’s part compulsion and part therapy. Creating—and more specifically, creating in the music space—helps me feel grounded and make sense of the world around me, as well as whatever is going on inside.”
Blending world music tones amidst both electronic and organic musicianship, The Baal Shem Tov Nigun is another highlight from the extensive Ari Fraser catalogue, and holds true to a catchy and inclusive groove, loaded with vocal harmonies and a vast sense of calm and contemplation that naturally lights up the space.
The mildness of this composition is impressive, given how all-consuming the layers and music turn out to be. When listened to at volume, the intricacy of the sound, and indeed, its contrasting depth, work their magic to a profound degree, and the topical implication united amidst that adds a whole other layer of emotional conviction.
Memory of Xinjiang is a sensational original composition, and draws focus to the modernization of Chinese music in recent years, and the embracing of technology alongside traditional instrumental formats, to create wholly compelling, incomparable new soundscapes.