Ambient calm, healing frequencies, impressively intricate design – a collection of compositions that are profoundly rewarding to relax into. Renowned Tasmanian producer and artist Darren J Harris welcomes audiences into his latest ethereal wonderland, for the imaginative Subliminal; a stunning, deeply moving new album.
High-quality headphones at the ready, a personal recommendation from both Harris and myself, Subliminal offers a range of soundscapes that are deeply meditative and powerful when experienced in absolute isolation.
We begin with the beautiful Long Ago Fallen Star – waves of distance, darkness and warmth, alongside humble electronic notes of melody and enchanting progression that slowly takes us through eight minutes of contemplation and hypnosis. The music is modest but divinely skilful – a testament to the conviction and spiritual backbone of Darren Harris. Subliminal is his 8th independent album release, and once again breathes new life into the beauty and blissful embrace of ambient music.
Every composition within is extensive and essentially its own experience. As we move into Fall and Rise, a new mood settles, lashings of space and reverb-soaked wonder back a rightfully falling and rising set of tones of sincerely evocative depth.
Dream Angel is an early stand-out, a simpler set-up that feels like a two-part conversation between instrumental layers. Based on personal experiences some years ago, Darren describes the track as representing two voices inside us: “Which one is our natural, authentic voice and which one is the voice of ego?” It’s a minimalist yet striking audio venture, which again presents its own imaginative meanderings as you delve in.
Distinction reigns all the more so for Sky Holes. Inspired by the likes of Brian Eno, this piece adopts a vintage aura to portray a sense of electricity and atmosphere uninhibited nor affected by thoughts of the self. Then to follow, the sharpness of Ancient Night directs us towards a whole new plane of contemplation. Here we feel mildly confronted, this combination of sinister and soothing sounds intriguing as it stretches across the airwaves.
During the album’s latter half, Absolving is quick to soften the mood with natural world waves and gentle psychedelic dashes of trumpet-inspired sound-play. After which Half Moon Light feels adventurous, ambitious and intriguing in its electronic fuzz and spacious, freestyle progression.
Beacon is a single release that appears to tip its hat to the opener’s rhythm and contrast. Humble bass notes and juxtaposed lighter fragments present a sense of growing possibility. It’s a quirky and exciting or joyful work, and a personal favourite – perhaps more so for its clever placement within the album.
Wrapping things up is an unmissable composition spanning close to seven minutes. In Darren’s own words: “Luminal captures the soothing, mellow sensation mixed with the tension of coming out of unconsciousness.” It’s a fascinating and unpredictable yet welcoming listen, a final highlight from the project, and a journey both euphoric and calming as it consistently changes shape and sound towards the finish line.
Darren J Harris creates from a place of unrivalled devotion to sound and creative expression. His intentions are heartfelt, his music distinctly professional and impressive from a production standpoint, and his approach to ambient music continues to break down barriers. Subliminal is a gift to escape into, and deserves to be heard as much as its listeners deserve its embrace.
Album out September 19th. Read our Interview to find out more. Find Darren Harris on Bandcamp, Instagram, Facebook & his Website.
