Latent Places – Spirit Of
Latent Places is an experimental drone producer from Saint Louis, Missouri. Spirit Of, released on August 20th, 2020, was an impressive sophomore effort from the album.
Its basis may lack innovation, but its execution is gorgeous. Altitude sets the stage with its sporadic glitchy synth-work and dense ambience. Stepping Stones continues the trend graciously, without one realising there was a transition. Most of the album flows in a similar matter, continuously enclosing the listener within its warm, graceful soundscape. Unlike most modern ambient work, many of the pieces are live recorded with electronic interference postproduction. This is apparent through the gracious track Mooneater, which is carried by its subtle yet mesmerising display of rattles. It may be brief and barron, but Two Speed Clock sets the mood immaculately. The same could be said for the gentle closer, See Lions.
As with all albums, there are lesser moments. Spark Joy features lovely synth work, though is loosely held together by its sparse, repetitive keys and sample-led framework. A super boring effort. The Racer continues the trend; another plain sample included for no apparent reason, and barely altered. Lastly, Murmurations gets a little too cliché with its repetitive bird coos and Robert Rich inspired drones; one could have easily believe this was Somnium (2001). Songs such as these ruin the highs of the more impressive tracks.
Despite some dull wasted moments, Spirit Of is a pleasure throughout. The artist should be careful not to rely on electronic samples greatly on his next effort; most of the brilliance comes from the acoustic sampling, and furthermore the electronically modified field pieces. Here’s hoping he can replicate the magic of the first four tracks specifically on his next effort.
Good
Listen to it here:
Latent Places – Spirit Of
