A selection of downtempo musical highlights from 2020

 

With the landslide of emails, shares and media streams of new music, it’s becoming harder and harder to scratch the surface of music releases. So this list of no particular order is quite frankly a selection of releases that either impressed me or I repeatedly played on the commute to and from the day job.

1) The Orb – Abolition of the Royal Familia

https://theorb.bandcamp.com/album/abolition-of-the-royal-familia

Back in March the was a bit of a buzz about this album, with many saying the Orb were back to their best. Although I really liked the predecessor COW (Chill Out World) I could see from the off why this album would have universal appeal.

2) Gaudi – 100 Years of Theremin (The Dub Chapter)

https://gaudimusic.bandcamp.com/album/100-years-of-theremin-the-dub-chapter

Alongside a selection of heavyweight dub pioneers, the Theremin maestro celebrated the invention of this eerie electronic instrument by cementing a union with dub reggae.

3) Gigi Masin – Calypso

https://masin.bandcamp.com/album/calypso

A beautiful selection of sun-kissed Mediterranean ambience with touches of jazz. Just perfect to kick back and relax.

4) Yaima – Ceremonia

https://yaimamusic.bandcamp.com/album/c-e-r-e-m-o-n-i-a

Quite simply a lovely acoustic album from this American folktronica duo, which is inspired by the natural world and aimed at encouraging growth in the hearts and minds of the listeners.

5) Matt Coldrick – Music For A Busy Head Vol 2

https://panelectric.bandcamp.com/album/music-for-a-busy-head-vol-2

After many years Matt re-kindles this concept and dives deep into healing ambient textures, with touches of 70’s inspired prog rock guitar and gentle piano.

6) Paya – Hollow Skies

https://suriyarecordings.bandcamp.com/album/hollow-skies

A selection of tracks from the classically trained vocalist/multi-instrumentalist, that spans celtic folk, electronica and pop. At times almost mirroring her idols Dead Can Dance. The album is produced by Youth, who compared her vocal capabilities to Lisa Gerrard.

7) Tripswitch – Momento Mori

https://section.bandcamp.com/album/memento-mori

After a number of years concentrating on progressive house, Nick Brennan returned to the folds of downtempo where he initially made his name. At times darker than it’s predecessors but still balanced with moments of light.

7) Erothyme – Steep Dreams

https://erothyme.bandcamp.com/album/steep-dreams

This was the second Erothyme release that I purchased after a long hiatus on my behalf. With three exceptionally strong tracks this album ignited my interest in those albums I’d missed.

8) Andrew Heath – The Alchemists Muse

https://andrewheath.bandcamp.com/album/the-alchemist-s-muse

Not having heard his latest release I can only go on the two releases of this year I have heard. This edges it ever so slightly for me. However, if you like Andrew’s brand of ambient soundscapes, field recordings and laid back piano then they all fit the bill.

9) Eguana – Serenity

https://cosmicleaf.bandcamp.com/album/serenity

Eguana has churned out a good number of releases this year without lapsing on quality. Quite frankly I could have included any one of them. This album steered away from the space themes of it’s recent predecessors, with the focus placed on nature before moving to more mythical and fantasy themes of his following release.

10) Kaya Project – Body.Mind.Soul.

https://sebtaylor.bandcamp.com/album/body-mind-soul

Once again fusing tribal rhythms and world music with ambient soundscapes and ethereal vocals. Additionally featuring some re-mixes from Seb’s other projects such as Hibernation and Biotone.

Additionally ...

Richard Norris – Music For Healing (The Complete Long Form Series)

Richard followed on from his Abstractions albums with a series of 12 twenty minute ambient pieces, released weekly and aimed for relaxation or an accompaniment to practises such as yoga. Which is now available in a more compact version both digitally and on CD. There’s nothing really catchy about these releases they just suitably serve their purpose.

https://richardnorris.bandcamp.com/album/music-for-healing

Eguana 'Dragon Songs' Review

 

Artist:

Eguana

Title:

Dragon Songs

Label:

Cosmicleaf Records

Released:

4^th November 2020

Eguana embarks on a shamanic and mythological journey into world music, revealing that he has more than one string to his bow (so to speak), with performances of Throat Singing, Vocals, Talharpa, Guitar, Kalimba, Dandelion Stalk, Trumpet, Aquarium Compressor and Vargan.

This musical quest provides 51 minutes of ambient world fusion with mythologic themes, that brews an eerie atmosphere. Layering throat singing, medieval strings and slow tribal drumming over ethereal synth voices that creates a sound like a laid back Wardruna.

This release will sit easily with lovers of the mystical and shamanic, as much as those who devour the fantasy in literature or screen. As well as hinting at the possibilities and directions this Eguana project could cover in the future.

Reviewed by Woodzee

Links

https://cosmicleaf.bandcamp.com/album/dragon-songs

Exclusive Eguana Interview

 

1. Firstly thank you for taking the time out to talk to us. Could you till us a little about yourself and how you began your relationship with music.

Good time everyone! Thanks for the offer.

I am an ordinary person, like many others. Born in Russia, in the outback. From an early age there was a love for drawing. Around 1990, music appeared in my life in the form of a cassette recorder. And there was a lot of music, so I collected it. Probably at that moment, my long journey in the world of sounds began. To tell everyone about the whole journey, a separate interview would be needed for this (laughing).

2. Your music productions often take the theme of Space. What influenced you in taking this approach to your compositions?

Thirst for the unknown. Space is a mystery. Even though we know about it, how far we can see it in powerful telescopes, we still don't know anything about it. Space is a frightening beauty, bewitching and bewitching. All people live under the same sky. All the people are with him, and whatever the space is, it is of interest to all.

I unite people through my music. Any person, with any religion, any views, will love space and my music about space. It is neutral for everyone. She lulling and I just like to create it. I feel too close to different worlds about which I can tell, including space.

I think someday people all over the planet will hate my music. This will happen if one-day space brings us sorrow (laughs). Before that happens, space is a peaceful, a silent giant looking down at us.

3. Similarly another reoccurring theme is nature. How does your approach differ to creating these compositions?

That's right. Nature is what excites me just as much. If space is something mysterious and inaccessible, then we can see nature now, we know it very well. We interact with her every day. It is clear to us.

For the music of space I use specific sounds, more often electronic, but soft. Then for nature I use sounds that we hear more often. If space needs a smooth atmosphere, then for nature I often use atmospheric pads with rustling sounds, with sounds that more closely reflect nature. As a painter, I try to visualize sounds. Whether or not I can succeed is for the listener to decide.

4. Could you tell us about your studio set up and your favourite pieces of equipment or software?

Sure. If anyone thinks that I have a large studio with expensive equipment, they will be very wrong. If we speak in such a way as a studio, then I do not have one. I have a workplace. The place where I create the alchemy of sounds. But, there is nothing unusual about it. There are no expensive devices. A standard set of necessary things to make music professionally. Sound monitoring, cheap but professional headphones, sound card, digital programs. Several musical instruments, including those made by myself.

You don't need to have the most expensive equipment to become a professional musician. First of all, you need to be a professional musician.

20 years ago I could write the music "stick on seashell" (laugh). And it worked out pretty well. Now imagine what I can do with sounds, with everything that I have now? This is a huge scope for creativity. Thanks to the 21st century of high technology. If they put me in the coolest studio, then it seems to me I would dissolve in it and become music myself (laughs).

5. What advice would you give to those starting out in electronic music?

Of course I can. Musical life is ordered, and it will weed out the wheat from the chaff. And if you are not ready to become something more than just a person, then you cannot. Many break down and chuck it in half way. Man is used to living with illusions and hopes. And at some point, the hope was not justified, and the illusion collapsed with pain. A person gives up his hobby and becomes ordinary. So I'll put it this way:

1. Never think of your hobby as your earnings. Creativity comes first, then earnings. You will be surprised when you find out (maybe many years later) that what you love so much (to make music) has begun to bring you money. What would you have noticed and loved is the audience, you must first make a qualitative and unusual music. But don't think about how much you will earn. This is confusing to many.

2. Practice music as much as you need. Do not force yourself, but do not infringe on your desires.

3. Invite people to listen to your music. Ask for reviews. Ask for honest reviews. Respond to criticism correctly. Try to make the music better than it is. Feedback is very important for a musician. Positive or negative. The main thing here is to perceive it correctly. Feedback should be constructive.

4. If you are a genius or talent, then you will be told about it. If they talk about it - never quit what you started. You can be self-critical and humble and deny your own music. Therefore, for this we need strangers of all races and preferences, so that they would tell you the whole truth.

5. Perseverance and work, set goals. This is all you need for any profession or any activity.

6. You’re a bit of a work horse when it comes to musical production. What’s next on the agenda?

Yes, in recent years I began to devote more time to music, and less time to unnecessary things. And this process of getting involved in music is still going on.

Next we will continue the long series of Cosmos Episodes. As planned, these are 24 parts. So far, only 11 are ready. Let's not guess. This is an ambitious project. I would like to make 24 hours of music so that someone can listen to it non-stop. Although not sure if anyone needs it. But this is primarily for me as a challenge, and as a kind of game.

Another project in cooperation with IMBIT (Institute of Medical and Boilogical Information Technologies). I make music for them which they find perfect for their task. This is used for hypnosis, psychocorrection, etc.

I also discover new genres for myself, and if I like them, I start making them. I love music, I like many genres and I want to create them. Therefore, I will still surprise you.

Links

http://eguanamusic.wix.com/eguana

https://www.facebook.com/eguanamusic

https://www.cosmicleaf.com/en/products.php?action=artist&id=89

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2nYWhMzt3fDNNW0cwPIw7V

Eguana 'Flawless Nature' Review

 

Artist:

Eguana

Title:

Flawless Nature

Label:

Plexus Music

Released:

25^th October 2020

The format here is somewhat different to the albums and long mixes that have come out on Cosmicleaf this year. This release contains two instrumental tracks, which are followed by vocal versions of the pieces. Effectively, a single that delivers 34 minutes of music.

We begin with ‘Night Starry Sky’ which weaves a beautiful journey of eastern flutes, ambient pads and choral voices. The following piece ‘Call of the Wind’ is very much in the same field of play, this time with eastern strings and melodic piano and just edges it for me.

Now the vocal version of ‘Night Starry Sky’ isn’t a song as such, there seems to be more delay and FX added to the piece, and perhaps some processed ethereal voices. Now I’m pretty certain the Indian vocals on ‘Call of the Wind’ are from a track I already have, but can’t quite put my finger on. Now that’s not a bad thing, as it’s actually my favourite track on the whole release.

Reviewed by Woodzee

Links

https://plexusmusic.bandcamp.com/album/flawless-nature

Eguana 'Destiny, Vol. 2' Review

 

Artist:

Eguna

Title:

Destiny Vol 2

Label:

Cosmicleaf

Released:

28^th September 2020

Over the years I’ve encountered people with all kinds of tastes in music and growing up I had friends who although were into sci-fi, held the view electronic music wasn’t real music. I never got my head around this as the atmosphere synths provided for these soundtracks could provide atmospheres of weightlessness in space as well as dramatic suspense. This Russian producer excels at those atmospheres in his space themed compositions so I had high expectations with the second chapter of Destiny.

When the mood grabs you to listen to some space ambient this collection will certainly do the trick. It’s the kind of album you really want to listen to from start to finish and not necessarily one that’s easy to pick a favourite. If I was pushed I would probably plump for ‘Negative Charge’ which features some appealing synth sounds that flow lovingly over the sequenced sounds beneath. However, nothing on the album disappointed me and each track has it’s own appeal.

Reviewed by Woodzee

https://cosmicleaf.bandcamp.com/album/destiny-vol-2

Eguana 'Serenity' Review

 

Artist:

Eguana

Title:

Serenity

Label:

Cosmicleaf

Released:

31^st August 2020

Space is quite often the theme with Eguana productions. This time the emphasis is going by the titles is clearly on the natural world. One of the aspects I like about Eguana that sets him apart from other Space Ambient producers is he doesn’t just set a downtempo four by four beat. Sometimes the drum patterns appear on the surface quite simple, but at times there are often delicate little nuances that are quite intricate. Then there is the ambience that he layers on top which themed with space or the natural world set you adrift on a gloriously relaxed journey.

The first signs of shaking me out of this journey and grabbing my attention is on ‘Wormwood’ where the drum pattern is somewhat like a marching band, or at least a band marching slowly. This is followed by ‘The Smell of Moss’ which is my favourite on the album. The ambience of the track shrouds you, while sparse deep bass notes eventually lead to the plodding drums and laid back piano keys. Although overall every track plays it’s part in the journey another I especially love is ‘Falling Stars’ where trip-hop beats sway like a boat, at times gently and others lifting on a higher wave. While the sound fx spring off those beats in perfect unison

Reviewed by Woodzee

Links

https://cosmicleaf.bandcamp.com/album/serenity

Eguana 'Invisible Civilizations Vol 4' Review

Artist:

Eguana

Album:

Invisible Civilization Vol 4

Label:

Cosmicleaf

Released:

13^th January

The fourth instalment in this space ambient series from Russia’s Eguana which creates wonderful beat less atmospheres with which he takes you on a journey incorporating lush synth waves, harmonic voices and ambient drones. The first track ‘Deep Dive’ is a great example of this style within the ambient umbrella and he completely nails it.

I find with this type of music it’s really just about lying back, closing your eyes and drifting off and this album suits that purpose. So it’s hard to maintain focus on these subtle changes for review purposes with no obvious change of pace or beat. The one track that really caught my attention throughout this journey was ‘Recalling Experience’ but I can’t really put my finger on why it appealed to me more than the other tracks.

My conclusion if you like beat less space ambient then you can’t really go wrong with this release. However, if you prefer a little acceleration check out his previous album ‘Destiny’.

Reviewed by Woodzee

https://cosmicleaf.bandcamp.com/album/invisible-civilization-vol-4

Albums of Interest 2019

What has resulted from a combination of sheer volume of releases and my own listening habits. Where I found myself slowly gravitating last year to more beat orientated music (I’ve probably brought and listened to more techno than dub and chill at periods this year) in all honesty I haven’t come across as many stand out albums in 2019.

So you may well view this list and think why didn’t X or Y make it? On the other hand there may well be artists or albums you missed that appeal. For a more in-depth look at this years releases I’d recommend hitting this link for a whopping 60 album reviews of 2019 ... 

http://ambientmusicguide.com/best-of-year/ambient-music-guides-best-albums-of-2019-reviews/

1) Pitch Black – Third Light (Dubmission Records)

On the top of their game Pitch Black dive into deeper and mellower tracks and deliver wonderfully at times. However, there is still plenty of the techno and drum and bass infused dub they have crafted over the decades.

2) Pure Love: Pure Chill Out Vol 1 (Altar Records)

A collection from the back catalogue of Argus and friends which also featured six teasers from the ‘Invisible Sun’ album which followed. Simply an amazing collection of beautiful music.

3) Reverend John Chester – The Tibetan Book of Dub (Mutantra)

Initially pre-released last year under the title ‘Nature Never Lies’ a selection of spaced out eastern dubs with plenty of robotic vocoder. The full release including the more up-tempo re-mixes recently saw the light of day.

4) The Human Experience – Things Are Changing

A selection of tracks by Gone Gone Beyond an Americana/folk/electronica collective put together by the Human Experience. This album was on constant rotation for months on my daily commute.

5) The Human Experience – Stillness in Motion

A fantastic follow up later in the year chock full of Amerianca and world music collaborations.

6) Sven Laux and Daniela Orvin – The Writings (Dronavrivm)

Daniela's piano enhances Sven’s ambient drones and electronica into somewhat of a masterpiece in modern classical fusion

7) Hollie Kenniff – The Gathering Dawn (n5MD)

I’ve been following with interest the teasers pre-cursing this album and suspect now that Hollie has stepped out of the shadow of her husband Keith (Helios, Goldmund) and taken the plunge with this debut album, she will be one to watch out for in her own right.

8) Eguana – Destiny (Cosmicleaf Records)

A wonderfully textured journey of space ambient music that sets the mind adrift.

9) Suns of Arqa – Heart of the Suns :1979 - 2019 (Interchill Records)

If like myself you have only dipped into their vast back catalogue this is a worthy selection compiled by Andrew Interchill that features a few elongated ambient versions.

10) 100^th Monkey – Space Dubs and Other Miscellany 1992 – 2017 (Disco Gecko Recordings)

Another back catalogue collection of an artist I knew relatively little about. Due to the time frame some of the tracks do sound retro but I’ve found this album is growing and growing on me.

Eguana 'Destiny' Review

Artist: Eguana

Title: Destiny

Label: Cosmicleaf Records

Released: 11^th November

The latest release from Russian artist Sergey Severin a.k.a. Eguana. Who surprisingly (considering he has had numerous albums released on a few labels since 2010) has only arrived to my ears this year.

The album begins with ‘Germind’ (quite possibly a nod of respect to his fellow Russian label mate) a lovely combination of chilled out space music and twitchy drum patterns that verge on breaking into drum and bass. The lush angelic voices employed in the elongated intro of ‘Galaxy Noodles’ is pure space ambient, although the drum patterns he’s created are similar to the opener, there’s a few guitar licks and piano notes that add to the piece … wonderful stuff. While ‘Orbital Station’ continues the theme creating an atmosphere where you can imagine you are floating out there.

As the album progresses the drums pay less of a part but the beauty transcends at times in these pieces. Now I was pretty impressed with the last Eguana album that I reviewed but here I am totally hooked. When Cosmicleaf advertised this album as he needs no introduction I can see why. If you are a fan of the space ambient style and familiar with this artist you’re probably already purchasing. On the other hand if your a fan of the space ambient style and unfamiliar with this artist I’d highly recommend you give this a listen.

Reviewed by Woodzee

Links

https://cosmicleaf.bandcamp.com/album/destiny-2

Eguana 'Invisible Civilizations, Vol. 3' Review

Artist: Eguana

Title: Invisible Civilization, Vol. 3

Label: Cosmicleaf Records

Released: 17^th June 2019

The third release in the series of deep ambient releases from Moscow based Eguana. This series and indeed the artist is new to me. However, I’m always open minded to hearing new music in this genre and to expressing my thoughts.

The album begins with the aptly titled ‘Deep Sleep’ where melodic tones are nestled amongst the atmospheric drones and it’s a pleasant enough way to begin the journey. The next track ‘Cosmic Angel’ starts in a similar fashion but it’s a long piece and has a little more to it, with teasing passages that threaten to build to a crescendo but drop back before that point is reached. I’ve decided by the third track ‘Laminar Flows’ this album is firmly in the Space Ambient categorisation with it’s eerie sci-fi movie soundtrack feel and drifting piano keys.

Moving on with ‘Membrane Pulsation’ although I can see where the title sprang from I’m still picturing a journey in space and enjoying the ride. The brakes have certainly been applied to the next piece ‘Mothers Heartbeat’ however, the sci-fi feel isn’t lost. Moving on with another lengthy track ‘Viscous Substance’ a slow burner that maintains the feel of it’s predecessors and if you’re already on board for the ride it won’t disappoint.

There’s a touch of occasional percussion and emphasis on the bass tones that’s more apparent in ‘Extraterrestrial Temple’. Whilst ‘Astral Flower’ utilises deep sweeping analogue sounds leading us to the final piece ‘Awakening’ which is just a lovely piece of ambient synth music to see us out.

Like most genres there’s quite a hefty catalogue of artists releasing this style of ambient music and I feel this album most definitely wouldn’t go amiss as a sci-fi movie soundtrack. In fact I’d go as far to say it’s veering to the higher end of the space ambient market and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Reviewed by Woodzee.

Links

https://cosmicleaf.bandcamp.com/album/invisible-civilization-vol-3