Aria Rostami & Daniel Blomquist – Still (Album – Glacial Movements)
Genre/Influences: Cinematographic, Soundscape.
Format: Digital, CD.
Background/Info: “Still” is the fifth collaborative work between Aria Rostami and Daniel Blomquist. It also is their second album released by Glacial Movements. The work is an attempt to ‘describe how time can change its motion in case of cold weather’. It’s interesting to know the album features the first ever made recording by the duo, which remained unreleased.
Content: The concept of the album also is a noticeable element in the titles of the tracks. It clearly deals with cold weather circumstances, which have been transposed into different atmospheres. Some tracks have something serene and dreamy while other tracks are moving into darker parts and have been accomplished with heavier sound treatments. Whispering voices can be heard in some parts. There’s a true diversity and evolution in the tracklist. You’ll notice multiple field recordings. The last tracks evolve into a somewhat surprising final featuring a kind of heart beating drums.
+ + + : This album totally fits to the concept of Glacial Movements. It even sounds to me as a kind of reference. The Soundscape and Cinematographic approach are rapidly recognizable, but the main strength of the work is the diversity. This diversity is exposed by the contrast between relaxing tracks and darker ones. But especially the second part of the album reveals great cuts. The tracks are more elaborated and are moving towards a crescendo. “Crystal Gazer” is an attention grabber, but I also want to mention the last track “A Paralysis”.
– – – : The opening cut “-2 °C” definitely sounds as a dreamy track, which is the perfect opener, but not exactly the most exciting cut from the work.
Conclusion: “Still” deals with an interesting concept and has been masterly achieved into a cool music production.
Best songs: “Crystal Gazer”, “A Paralysis”, “-3 °C”.
Rate: (8).
Label: www.glacialmovements.com / www.facebook.com/glacialmovements
About Aria Rostami & Daniel Blomquist
Aria Rostami and Daniel Blomquist are an ambient/drone duo based in San Francisco. Their debut album, “Wandering Eye” (2016), was recorded over a year and a half and drew on imagery of the Antarctic Plateau. “Still” (2021) marked their second release for Glacial Movements and their fifth collaborative work overall. The duo went on to release “Signal Artifact” (2022, Jacktone Records) and “Distant Companion” (Dark Entries Records), continuing their exploration of cold, isolated ambient landscapes.
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