Music fans unite – for the escapism-craving nostalgic listeners, who still turn to the likes of Massive Attack, Morcheeba, and Portishead; new music of equal depth and humility emerges, from the creative corner of J Brink.
Mindscape is a stunning new album, modest in its simplicity and warmth, but vastly detailed and immersive for its sheer attention to the flow and mood of each track.
We begin with the sublime embrace of Tremors, and move swiftly into the cinematic delicacy and contrasting fast-paced triphop rhythm of Attractor. Already this feels like an album worthy of inclusion amidst the best. Electronic design with versatility unlimited but also fragments of voice, melody and intention that help build an ethereal and engaging arena of sound for you to lose yourself within.
Twelve original tracks make up Mindscape, an aptly-titled album both eclectic and well-grounded in its ambient and upbeat combination. You can let this play as you work or commute, but on the flip side, you can tune in whole-heartedly, with high-quality headphones or speakers, and let your mind drift off somewhere meaningful and worthwhile.
Soulful voices echo throughout the likes of Don’t Let Go, emotionally loaded sentiments reinforced by these intricately crafted, light to euphoric arrangements from J Brink. There’s even a touch of piano-led intimacy, something like a smoky jazz ballad in the distance, for Deepmind. Then there’s a St Germain sense of movement and appeal to tracks like Domains and Warrior.
Unconfined by expectation, or by anything, really, Mindscape is a dream to devote your time to. The music suits any number of settings and situations, and leads with a timeless precision but waves of warmth and wonder that consistently draw you in.
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