“The Ascensión” is the latest release by Experiments & Observations On Electricity, a solo project by Craig Thompson, an English musician and composer. It’s his second full-length, arriving as an adequate follow-up of his debut self-titled album, a masterpiece you should also check out. Still, “The Ascensión” carries many innovations in writing, composing, arranging, and producing, demonstrating a natural progression of this outstanding artist. Inspired by the landscapes of Iceland, his new material leans towards sonic maneuvers similar to William Basinski and Brian Eno. Still, Experiments & Observations On Electricity finds ways to sound fresh, unique, innovative, versatile, resonating with calm, soothing, relaxing, ethereal, and otherwordly soundscapes. Craig Thompson combines several different but complementary genres to illustrate this rich and luxurious sonic imagery. Perhaps ambient comes to mind first but you’ll notice how some other elements borrowed from dark ambient, drone, industrial noise, and cinematic music found their way into this sonic equation. The artist uses all these additional sonic ingredients as more than necessary enhancements, accentuations, decorations, and other details to uplift his sound to new heights while solely remaining loyal to the primary sonic direction. Therefore, these experimentations with many avant-garde music subgenres resulted in a magnificent ambient/drone album that will appeal to even the pickiest fans of experimental music.
As soon as the first notes of “Movement 1” commence, you’ll notice that Experiments & Observations On Electricity thought about even the tiniest details and nuances while assembling this composition. Craig Thompson gradually builds a colossal atmosphere thanks to the implemented fade in effect in the very beginning. These calm, soothing, ethereal notes prepare the listening apparatus for what will come next. The various pulsating noises, random reverby metallic beats, and other various sounds float around while the other orchestrations still lurk somewhere in the background. Still, these background soundscapes are thoroughly planned pieces of art that represent the sole core of “Movement 1.” If you pay close attention, you’ll notice a comprehensive collection of layers roaming around and shaping such an eerie atmosphere. And those are the details that showcase Craig Thompson’s brilliance. His ability to cleverly implement some of the finest ambient, dark ambient, and industrial noise elements shines in the limelight throughout the entire track. Also, “Movement 1” is not just another ambient track built upon various noises. Quite the contrary, there’s a certain harmony resonating all around, making this piece such a pleasant listening experience worth repeating over and over again. “Movement 2” begins with an almost minimal, static drone, but Experiments & Observations On Electricity introduces more layers along the way. It’s a more melodic piece than the previous track, delivering even more carefully composed, harmonious, ethereal layers of sound. Chainsaw-like maneuvers are floating around, spicing things up while that constant minimal drone remains the core of this composition. It’s one of those compositions suitable for meditating or contemplating, as it has that heavenly ambiance, achieved by wisely stacking so many pleasant, repetitive soundscapes. “Movement 2” unquestionably demonstrates Craig Thompson’s ability to deliver diverse ambient/drone tracks where even the tiniest details, nuances, and movements make a big difference in sound.
“Movement 3” brings more dark ambient and industrial noise to the table. With a time-stretching technique, Experiments & Observations On Electricity constructs a cold, dark, bleak, almost hellish universe, where all those suppressed, bent, subtly distorted movements tickle all your senses. Craig Thompson pushes the boundaries of dark ambient music with this number, proving that this longevous experimental music genre can still sound fresh and unique. These layers are carefully prepared, composed, and implemented over such a complex structure, showcasing Thompsons dedication to the craft. Although there are vividly hearable soundscapes floating around, the essence of “Movement 3” remains in all those tiny details, pulses, and noises, so it’s one of those tracks that demands your utmost attention while listening. It’s unquestionably one of the standout compositions on this material that will resonate with even the pickiest experimental and avant-garde music fans. “The Ascensión” closes with “Movement 4,” a magnificent display of Experiments & Observations On Electricity’s capabilities as a composer and musician. This track vividly showcases the coldness and bleakness of Icelandic landscapes, garnered with harsh winter, cold winds, and cruel nature. Craigh Thompson skillfully describes the scenery by implementing slow-paced drones, stormy ambient layers, and quiet but hearable metallic movements. This sonic contrast perfectly suits the theme, transporting the listener to Iceland’s fjords or lava fields. If you close your eyes while listening, you can imagine yourself being there, enjoying the moment while the winter storms rage all around you. It’s a turbulent yet serene moment. “Movement 4” demonstrated Craig Thompson’s ability to illustrate vivid sonic images that will resonate with even those newbies to ambient music.
“The Ascensión” is a masterpiece that will undoubtedly resonate with even the pickiest experimental and avant-garde music fans. With four incredible compositions, Experiments & Observations On Electricity paints a vivid imagery of Icelandic landscapes while showcasing tremendous experience, knowledge, skills, and talent. The continuous collision between organic and industrial sounds delivers that fascinating, ethereal, serene ambiance worth repeating over and over again. Experiments & Observations On Electricity created an outstanding album that positions himself at the very top of the ambient music scene, and you should immediately place “The Ascensión” on your music radar. The album is available on all streaming platforms. Don’t miss it!
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