Our first compilation for 2008 presents a facet of ambient music that is often overlooked in favor of the more electronic or synthesized soundscapes. Here we have an eclectic collection of works featuring a broad variety string instruments, usually but not always treated to effects. In the artist credits below we’ve provided information about the instruments used, and you can see they range from the familiar to the exotic.
Kittenhead is the latest long-form (CD-length) production by Djinnestan, departing significantly from the Rain series and Purr. In many ways, it defies easy categorization. It is very ambient, but contains rhythms. It is dark, yet at the same time whimsical. It includes acoustic instruments and vocals, but they have been processed virtually beyond recognition. Nonetheless it is a subtle and pleasant listen.This release features vocal contributions by Aria Nadii.
A third Rain-themed longform ambient composition by Djinnestan. Perhaps still in a forest, but now at the banks of a stream, with wisps of fog, chirping crickets, the moon, and other mysterious nocturnal elements. This CD-length work creates a nice acoustic mood for meditation or sleep. It is recommended that you play it at low volume, as it is meant to be listened to peripherally, not directly.
Webbed Hand Records’ first release of 2006 is an anthology of recordings by the label’s founder, C.P. McDill. This selection represents the spectrum of his sound art projects from 1993 to 2005, excluding the long-form (CD-length) ambient recordings.
Darkdrone Radio has regularly featured works by Webbed Hand artists in its rotation, and to show our appreciation for this abundance of promotion and exposure, we’re collaborating with Darkdrone to assemble this mix of new work and special edits of work already released.
A 74-minute ambient track. The setting here comes across not as a fairytale forest, as in Rain 1 [wh028], rather more like an ancient abandoned city on the edge of a desert, as viewed in a grainy film. For some of more sensitive intuition, not empty at all but bustling with ghosts.
A follow-up to “Ghosties” (wh029), this is another collection of strange textural works, blending drones and other samples into opulent and ruined atmospheres. Liminal sounds give rise to mystic voices.
Haunted textures of sound are served forth in classic Djinnestan style in this unexpected EP release. Do ghosts relive their dying moments? Do they have unfinished business, or messages for the living? Without explaining the concept of this album, I shall leave you to infer what you can from the track titles and a close listening to these haunted soundscapes.
The Webbed Hand “Rain” series in now graced by a contribution from Djinnestan. Much like the shorter works, this 74-minute piece is subtle and enchanted. As if in a dream you find yourself strolling in a fairytale forest, dark and misty, peopled by the figments of childhood imaginings. This album is ideal for meditation, trancework, and quiet activities. It is recommended that you play it at low volume, as it is meant to be listened to peripherally, not directly.
Purr is a 76 minute ambient track intended to be played at low volume as background ambience, preferably as you go to sleep. It generates a warm and cozy feeling, like having a cat purring next to your head.