There sems to be something quietly stirring in my email recently, and that something is ambient music. Right in a row, I received emails from three different artists working generally in the genre. Interestingly, and coincidentally, they feature somewhat similar cover art concepts, featuring tranquil deep blues. But I digress…
First up, from Paris, is Seulement La Nuit with “Echo Sleep,” the latest single from their upcoming album “Lost Horizons” which will be released in late September. This elegant instrumental track features piano and sweeping drones. It feels majestic and hopeful; a positive vibe for sure. It’s available right now on wherever you might stream your music (like here, for example).
From Estonia we hear from Gostrail, who serves up his latest single “the secret language of no language.” The overall sound of this track is a bit on the darker side, with parts reminding me of the radiator sounds in “Eraserhead.” However, there are also understated soothing drones throughout the mix. I found the overall effect quite relaxing (and interesting).
And we hop back to France (Nantes, specifically) for the EP “Rite” by CIRC. This is four songs of really lovely electronic ambient music. The Opening track “Summer Curve” has a bit of a foreboding start, with some static electric hum. However, it quickly adds waves of various drone sounds that ebb and flow. There’s also a nice (really) deep bass drone underpinning the track that draws you in and creates peaceful vibe. Bass is present to a lesser degree on the next two tracks, supporting the sweeps of sound. While closing track “Quiet Light” feature more electronic washes, it starts with what almost sound like a wordless choir, and you can definitely hear the whole track as layers of voices. “Rite” is a very uplifting and energizing experience overall.
Maybe with the current state of the world it’s not bad to have music like this available to help bring each of us some mental peace in the form of compelling music. If you find yourself needing a breather, any or all of these releases will help you reset and replenish.