After years of collaboration, Los Angeles musicians Julianna Barwick and Mary Lattimore have developed what thay refer to as a “musical telepathy.” their inaugural joint album, Tragic Magic, exemplifies this profound bond: born from a series of improvisational workshops in Paris, it features an enchanting array of contemporary ambient tracks. In this work, Barwick’s ethereal vocals and rich synth textures seamlessly blend with Lattimore’s sparkling harp melodies.
The recording sessions occurred shortly after the devastating wildfires that swept through California last year—an experience both artists faced as local residents; thus, themes of loss intertwined with hope resonate throughout these dreamlike compositions.The opening track Perpetual Adoration offers a soothing lullaby-like quality with its gentle harp loops accompanied by soft whispers, while the mesmerizing Haze With No Haze evokes an underlying sense of longing through its delicate staccato melody paired with Barwick’s soaring high notes—her lyrics remain elusive yet deeply emotional.
Even during their most minimalist passages, the songs possess a grand cinematic quality that surpasses their individual works; Lattimore’s harp is given ample room to shine within this expansive soundscape. Occasionally reaching epic heights—such as in their poignant interpretation of Rachel’s Tune from Blade runner that culminates in an effervescent flurry—or on Stardust—the album’s zenith where soaring synths meet celestial harp glimmers enhanced by a drum kick five minutes in—these tracks flirt with pop sensibilities without sacrificing their essence; though,they frequently enough revert to simplicity for the nearly nine-minute closer melted Moon, leaving behind lingering emotions as fullness fades into intimacy.
latest Releases This Month
Aquáticos represents the newest collaboration between Brazilian guitarist Fabiano de Nascimento and Los Angeles producer Eddie Ruscha, providing listeners with a lush meditative experience (Song from Memory). Across nine expansive tracks filled with flowing percussion alongside vibrant guitar strumming supported by warm synth layers reminiscent of lazy summer afternoons, this album invites relaxation.
In contrast to his typically frenetic style found within his discography,tashi Dorji‘s new release Low Clouds Dangle – This Land Is on Fire (Drag City)—sees him embracing tranquility instead; these reverb-laden recordings are vast yet gentle introspections reflecting his quest “to find silence.” Concurrently,charlène Dannancier, a French composer known for her sound artistry paints haunting portraits exploring ambiguous relationship dynamics through her latest work Baisée (Unfamiliar remedy). Each track delves into different emotional stages or feelings associated with relationships using breathy vocal fragments intertwined around dense electronic textures.