After establishing herself as a techno DJ in some of the most unconventional venues within the underground dance music scene, Gwenan Spearing has gradually transitioned into more ambient and introspective soundscapes over recent years. In addition to her club performances, she co-curates an ambient deep listening series in Berlin and dedicates her free time to exploring modular synthesis. Her latest project, Fragment Home, embodies this creative journey—a venture deeply rooted in generative electronics and real-time improvisation.
Levels of Freedom marks Spearing’s inaugural release under this distinctive alias—an EP filled with fluid ambient tracks that seamlessly blend electronic elements with acoustic textures as sounds are sampled, manipulated, and layered through her synthesizer setup.
The opening track Sync immerses listeners in a subaqueous atmosphere where cowbells are stretched beyond recognition against a pulsating analog beat that sets the tone for what follows.
Toward the end of Some Pluck, shimmering tones evoke images reminiscent of steel pans; though, there’s an elusive quality that keeps it intriguing.
The essence of this album lies in Spearing’s improvisational style—time signatures shift unpredictably while sounds are layered spontaneously through altered circuits as she experiments live on stage or in studio settings.
This approach transforms what could easily be mere background music into something far more engaging—enhancing its overall appeal substantially.
The Allure of Generator I
The track Generator I exemplifies this technique beautifully; its uncanny yet captivating nature recalls Mica Levi’s film scores with deep melodies capable of inducing dreamlike states while erratic keys tumble around it unexpectedly.
Soon after comes Sleep power—a self-described “adult lullaby”—where soothing sequences become disrupted by faint metallic clatter reminiscent of wind chimes; soft yet disconcerting at once.
A Closer Look at Generator II
Diving deeper into Generator II—the album’s most straightforward atmospheric piece—it features subtle fuzzy glitches interspersed throughout its composition creating an enchanting auditory experience filled with just enough intrigue to keep listeners engaged from start to finish.
New Releases This Month
This month also sees the release of Pool Jams, a fresh album from Berlin-based duo INIT , comprised of Nadia D’Alò and benedikt Frey (R.i.O). True to its name, it captures a summer vibe but only in the most feverish sense—with smoky vocals paired alongside languid grooves enveloped by synth clouds—creating hypnotic tunes perfect for warm summer nights.
In another collaboration on Openness Trio, guitarist Nate Mercereau joins forces with saxophonist Josh Johnson along with percussionist Carlos Niño resulting in compositions as vast yet enchanting as California’s hillsides where they were recorded (Blue Expose).
Additionally noteworthy is fronte Violeta—a decade-long multidisciplinary project led by Brazilian sound artists Anelena toku &Carlos Boregas (Other Folk)—which delivers ten tracks blending tranquil droning electronics intertwined with haunting vocals alongside samples sourced from natural objects like branches or feathers creating both soothing yet ethereal soundscapes.