Echo Earth

Portland resident Hunter P. Thompson has been producing crystalline, vaporwave-adjacent ambient and new age as Opaline since the early 2010s, as well as more beat-driven material as Akasha System, which he refers to as eco-techno. Echo Earth, Akasha Systems first vinyl full-length, certainly sounds like the work of someone in tune with nature -- these tracks are lush, mossy, and green, seeming to emanate from a secluded space in a forest or by a riverside instead of being built and fine-tuned in a professional studio. Thompsons melodies equally express the freedom and isolation of being alone in such an environment, sounding in awe of the natural beauty while also missing a human touch. Ultimately, though, the soothing textures and flowing rhythms wash any concerns away. Thompsons beats drift between a dubby house throb and more intricate patterns, sometimes accompanied by hand drums or cymbals. Warped Shadows has a broken, clicky beat pattern recalling Morr Musics early-2000s heyday, beautifully complimenting its cascading melody. A couple tracks approach the ecstatic fervor of Aphex Twins On, but without the hyperactive beats. Otherwise, the release is simply a set of gorgeously subdued instrumentals more fit for relaxation and reflection than dancing. ~ Paul Simpson