This album came out in November and I did not have enough time to review it then, but with temperatures low and wind howling outside I listened to again recently and felt its ambient vibe was a perfect evocation of nature in winter and deserved to be shared with Joyzine readers.
Terra is the latest release from Nebno, the recording name of Zurich-based composer Manon Schlittler, a musician and producer who drew her inspiration while sitting at a wooden table in Switzerland in front of a picture window looking at enormous ash tree. The album has a tranquillity which slows time as you listen, as perfect and delicate as the first settle of snow catching a bright winter sun.
String arrangements drift in perfect union with the wash of synthesisers, and many tracks like ‘Slow Motion’ and ‘Love Is A Special Thing’ have added sounds like the crunch of ice underfoot or icy windswept effects juddering alongside subtle percussion which clicks like drops of melting ice.
Over the glacial backing Manon Schlittler’s voice is serene and weightless, an ethereal choir with layered harmonies and subtle dissonance where the main vocal lines are not obviously defined but act like another instrument gliding around so that there are times when the strings and vocals intertwine, braiding the two elements into a glorious whole.
Should you find the rigours of the festive season too much then take yourself off, put headphones on and, like moving through the wardrobe into Narnia, let Terra transport you to a place of serenity from which will return much refreshed.
Musicians on the album: Manon Schlittler – Vocals, Programming, Synths, Francesco Fabris – Programming, Synths, Ásthildur Ákadóttir – Piano, Una Sveinbjarnardóttir – Violin, Júlía Mogensen – Cello and Dorival Roshard – Percussion
Nebno socials: Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | YouTube
Released through First Light Records
Review by Paul F Cook
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