User.Exp's first release on Greyscale presents an intriguing and thoughtful exploration of sound, meticulously crafted with field recordings, contact and hydrophone mic sessions and shortwave transmissions. The result is a lush and organic auditory experience, where every track feels like a distinct journey through nature and technology blending together in harmony. The album's rich textures and subtle complexity make it a brilliant new addition to the label.
Highlights include the opening track 'Ultraviolet' is a tranquil introduction, where nature sounds mingle with sporadic digital transmission attempts. A low, oscillating tone simmers beneath the surface, building quiet anticipation. The peaceful atmosphere is layered with environmental details that gently lead into the rest of the album. 'District' follows with a soft, muted beat and filtered dissonance, evoking an airy breeze of static. The aura of the sounds are understated yet immersive, giving the track a delicate, almost natural feel. The wonderful tones evoke a sense of calm, as if the listener is standing in the middle of a serene, untouched landscape. 'Silence' brings a more intricate sonic palette, where faint beats and distant chords intertwine with an ominous, fluctuating tone. The track evolves as higher-pitched percussion rings out in the foreground, creating the sensation of different elements communicating or working in unison. The layering here invites multiple listens to uncover the subtleties within the composition. 'Pollution' takes a more desolate route, capturing the sound of a lightly populated, nearly vacant urban area. A brisk breeze moves through an emptiness, conjuring imagery of a city that was once bustling but is now mostly silent. It's a haunting piece that speaks to a specific sense of space and time, enhanced by the sparing use of sound design. Other highlights include 'Reiki', which stands out with its crystal-clear harmonics and a rising orchestral string that emerges from a backdrop of bubbling water. The organic elements suggest the beginnings of a new world, a genesis of sorts, where life is just starting to take form. The bubbling textures give the track an almost embryonic feel, tying it into the broader naturalistic theme of the album. 'Observation' features basslines recorded from the heartbeat of User.Exp's partner using a contact mic. This personal touch adds an emotional depth to the track, while a hazy atmosphere of interference gives the sensation of rainfall. The experimental approach to sound processing here is both innovative and deeply engaging. Nearing the end of the album, 'Soil' delves into a darker, more mysterious mood, evoking an archaic world that feels like a distant memory. Meanwhile, the last track on the album, 'Wind' paints a picture of a digital rainforest, alive with its own rhythms and stories.
User.Exp's use of organic and synthetic sounds makes this a compelling release for any listener who enjoys experimental soundscapes and wants to visit another world from the comfort of their own armchair.
Highlights include the opening track 'Ultraviolet' is a tranquil introduction, where nature sounds mingle with sporadic digital transmission attempts. A low, oscillating tone simmers beneath the surface, building quiet anticipation. The peaceful atmosphere is layered with environmental details that gently lead into the rest of the album. 'District' follows with a soft, muted beat and filtered dissonance, evoking an airy breeze of static. The aura of the sounds are understated yet immersive, giving the track a delicate, almost natural feel. The wonderful tones evoke a sense of calm, as if the listener is standing in the middle of a serene, untouched landscape. 'Silence' brings a more intricate sonic palette, where faint beats and distant chords intertwine with an ominous, fluctuating tone. The track evolves as higher-pitched percussion rings out in the foreground, creating the sensation of different elements communicating or working in unison. The layering here invites multiple listens to uncover the subtleties within the composition. 'Pollution' takes a more desolate route, capturing the sound of a lightly populated, nearly vacant urban area. A brisk breeze moves through an emptiness, conjuring imagery of a city that was once bustling but is now mostly silent. It's a haunting piece that speaks to a specific sense of space and time, enhanced by the sparing use of sound design. Other highlights include 'Reiki', which stands out with its crystal-clear harmonics and a rising orchestral string that emerges from a backdrop of bubbling water. The organic elements suggest the beginnings of a new world, a genesis of sorts, where life is just starting to take form. The bubbling textures give the track an almost embryonic feel, tying it into the broader naturalistic theme of the album. 'Observation' features basslines recorded from the heartbeat of User.Exp's partner using a contact mic. This personal touch adds an emotional depth to the track, while a hazy atmosphere of interference gives the sensation of rainfall. The experimental approach to sound processing here is both innovative and deeply engaging. Nearing the end of the album, 'Soil' delves into a darker, more mysterious mood, evoking an archaic world that feels like a distant memory. Meanwhile, the last track on the album, 'Wind' paints a picture of a digital rainforest, alive with its own rhythms and stories.
User.Exp's use of organic and synthetic sounds makes this a compelling release for any listener who enjoys experimental soundscapes and wants to visit another world from the comfort of their own armchair.
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