Album Review: Benjamin Mauch & Micah Pich – Gloaming Gathering – A Striking Blend of Ambient Electronic Soundscapes

Album Review: Benjamin Mauch & Micah Pich – Gloaming Gathering – A Striking Blend of Ambient Electronic Soundscapes

Written By: Dan Eachus

Introduction

Benjamin Mauch and Micah Pick’s collaborative album Gloaming Gathering is a striking blend of ambient electronic music that invites listeners into a contemplative, yet rhythmically engaging soundscape. Released on September 6th, 2024, this 12-track album showcases the duo’s ability to merge various electronic genres while maintaining a cohesive and meditative atmosphere. Mauch, known for his introspective work on The Painted Doorway, and Pick, fresh off the release of Frameworks, bring their shared history and musical synergy to the forefront in this collaboration, creating a sonic journey that is both innovative and emotionally resonant.

My Review

The album opens with “In Difference,” a track that immediately sets the tone with its delicate balance between ambient textures and subtle rhythmic patterns. The use of layered synths creates a lush soundscape that envelops the listener, gradually introducing more complex elements as the track progresses. This opening piece acts as a gentle invitation into the world of Gloaming Gathering, where each subsequent track builds upon the foundation laid here.

“Blueberry Jam” follows, bringing a slightly more upbeat vibe with its playful synth melodies and light, almost bouncy rhythm. The track feels like a breezy afternoon, its melodies meandering like a carefree stroll through nature. Despite its lighter tone, there’s a depth to the production that hints at the more intricate compositions to come. The careful attention to detail in the layering of sounds is evident, with each element given space to breathe while contributing to the overall cohesion of the track.

The third track, “Ash Colored Sky,” introduces a more melancholic mood, with darker synth tones and a slower tempo. The track’s title evokes imagery of a twilight sky, and the music mirrors this with its introspective and somewhat somber atmosphere. The use of reverb and delay effects adds a sense of vastness, as if the listener is gazing out over a desolate landscape, pondering the fading light. This track marks a shift in the album’s mood, serving as a bridge to the more complex and emotionally charged compositions that follow.

“Latticework,” the focus track of the album, stands out with its club-inspired rhythm and uptempo beat. While maintaining the ambient qualities that define the album, “Latticework” introduces a danceable energy that sets it apart. The track’s driving beat is paired with chilled synth layers, creating a duality that is both energizing and relaxing. This balance makes “Latticework” an ideal track for various settings, whether it’s background music for a laid-back gathering or a soundtrack for personal introspection.

As the album progresses, tracks like “Bright Specks on the Shore” and “Drove to the City” further explore the intersection of ambient music and electronic genres. “Bright Specks on the Shore” is a serene composition that evokes imagery of light reflecting off water, its gentle melodies and soft rhythms creating a peaceful, almost hypnotic state. “Drove to the City,” on the other hand, introduces a more urban feel, with its slightly faster tempo and more structured rhythm. The track feels like a nighttime drive through a cityscape, the lights and sounds blurring into a cohesive auditory experience.

The title track, “Gloaming Gathering,” is perhaps the most atmospheric piece on the album. It captures the essence of twilight, the time of day that the word “gloaming” refers to, with its ethereal synth pads and slowly evolving structure. The track unfolds gradually, allowing the listener to become fully immersed in its tranquil, yet slightly eerie soundscape. There’s a sense of stillness here, as if the world is holding its breath, waiting for something to happen. This tension is palpable, making “Gloaming Gathering” one of the most emotionally resonant tracks on the album.

“M”ultiples” and “To an End” continue this exploration of mood and texture, each bringing its own unique flavor to the album. “Multiples” plays with rhythmic variation, its patterns shifting and evolving over the course of the track, while “To an End” takes a more minimalistic approach, focusing on a few key elements and allowing them to gradually transform.

“Dream Forest” introduces a more organic sound, with elements that mimic the sounds of nature woven into the electronic fabric of the track. The result is a piece that feels both grounded and otherworldly, as if the listener is wandering through a forest in a dream, surrounded by familiar yet strangely altered sounds. This track serves as a reminder of the duo’s ability to create music that is not only electronic but deeply connected to the natural world.

The penultimate track, “The Voice of a Tree,” continues this theme, with its use of deep, resonant tones and slowly shifting harmonies. There’s a meditative quality to this piece, as if the listener is being guided through a process of introspection, each note a step deeper into their own thoughts. The track’s title suggests a connection to nature, and the music reflects this with its organic, flowing structure.

The album closes with “Unmoored Fixation,” a track that encapsulates the themes of the album in a final, reflective composition. The music feels unanchored, drifting through different moods and ideas without settling on any one in particular. There’s a sense of resolution here, but it’s not a definitive ending – rather, it feels like a continuation, an acknowledgment that the journey is ongoing.

Conclusion

In Gloaming Gathering, Benjamin Mauch and Micah Pick have crafted a nuanced and multifaceted album that invites repeated listens. Each track offers something new, whether it’s a subtle shift in mood, a complex rhythmic pattern, or a richly textured soundscape. The album is a testament to the duo’s skill as composers and their ability to create music that is both accessible and deeply engaging. For fans of ambient and electronic music, Gloaming Gathering is a must-listen, offering a rich and rewarding sonic experience.

You can listen to the Album Here: https://nordicmusic.disco.ac/playlist-new/17232944?date=20240902&user_id=243774&signature=LaO4StUzmr17-FratCm98N1Zl1c%3AHd8mIXQm