UMBER

A one-man project, Umber equals Alex Stewart who lives in the English countryside. He lives in a sleepy town and that combined with a studio in his bedroom, results in what I would call 'dream ambient'... This is his debut EP, after a few homemade and self-released downloads like the 'Morning Pass EP' and 'Earth Feet, Lifted'. Oxide Tones, the German post rock label, picked him up and shows they are more than just post rock...

Se sits back in your most comfy sofa, put a fleece blanket over yourself and snuggle in for a warm ride through lush soundscapes. Alex manages to drag you into his realm made of dreamy violin and guitar drones, acoustic instruments and nicely chosen field recordings. All songs have many similarities but still there are distinct differences, so you are up for a cohesive trip.

"All The Ships" has birds singing, owls howling and these sounds create a wonderful atmosphere, like a foggy morning, the air thick and stale but sunlight ready to dissipate all impurities. But I won't write down any other pseudo-intellectual drabble, just go get the album since here is a piece of art you don't want to miss!

Fragile as porcelain and very personal meanderings, something I hold in high respect. Very recommended!

Chris KONINGS
26/10/2013