Release Date: 31 January 2016
Song Count: 14
Rating: 6.4/10
Description:
Here is a rather uncommon instance of a fully ambient piece, after two weeks since the previous one seen on the front of this page - In The Wild North, an album soon turning an entire decade old, from an artist with very little information behind them and their presence out there save for, funnily enough, another Blogspot used as a home site. This album of theirs is overtly themed around snow, ice, and everything winter, reminiscent of a fantastical journey through cold lands and terrain in music form - as reflected by the title tracks, cover art and overall aesthetical presentation.
The fully instrumental record spans over 14 records of gliding and very gradually waving melodies and sound effects that would not feel out of place in a score or soundtrack to a film or other form of visual media. The way individual sounds and elements are used for the purposes of enhancing a set atmosphere is expertly done; the low drones and undertones reflecting strong winds and chilled breezes flowing in a set direction as the contrasting high-pitched bells and tools resembling traditional instruments being introduced and strung along one at a time emphasise the loneliness of travelling or being stuck on harsh, snow-covered grounds like mountains, forests and sides of cliffs all come together to form a connected grouping of sounds and chimes that let one's imagination run wild.
From the sounds of harps and strings to woodwinds and deep-toned brass, In The Wild North uses all it has got on its arsenal to not only set up what could possibly be described as an entire fantastical world and setting through simply aural means, but also enhance the senses up to a new level. Though admittedly most of the segments where this sort of charm shines find themselves in only the first half of tracks, the album overall is a decent listen for those wanting to simply sink into an icy, minimalistic and yet dramatic and even enchanting listening experience. Unlikely to see a swift return on my end, but a pleasant enough work for the ears regardless.