The Glass Curtain

一連のエレクトロニカ志向のリリースを経て、2012年のデビュー作の幽玄なサウンドへと回帰してきたBillow Observatory。打楽器を一切使用しない、静謐な真珠のような完全なアンビエント作品。偶然性とランダムネスを受け入れた今作はスペクトラルなギターが浮かび上がり、揺らめき、そして塵のように弾け散る。

Denmarks Jonas Munk (aka Manual) and Michigans Jason Kolb (of space rock band Auburn Lull) have been releasing ambient records together as Billow Observatory since 2012. The project started off with slow, moving beatless soundscapes that sonically resembled a fleet of clouds drifting across the horizon. The duos subsequent records have branched out a bit, adding features such as ambient techno pulsations, dubby echo, and frosty beats, as well as richer, more pronounced guitar tones. The Glass Curtain, the fifth Billow Observatory full-length, is meant as a return to the ambient vistas of the projects debut, concentrating entirely on spacious, rolling loops and the occasional crackling field recording. A few tracks approach the warmth and earthiness of whats come to be known as ambient country, while other pieces feel a bit icier and more distant. "Colza" in particular has a melancholy glow to it, and gradually gets swept away by shimmering distortion. "Shadow Through the Eyelet" mainly consists of simple note repetitions, and "Armistice" expands on that premise, lingering longer and resounding deeper. The final two pieces feel like they take place after dusk, with "Arise and Perish" resembling a dark fog rolling in, and nocturnal life flourishing during "Sundial." The Glass Curtain overall feels balanced and natural, dwelling in both darkness and brightness. ~ Paul Simpson