Album Review: Manatee Commune – Simultaneity

Album Review: Manatee Commune – Simultaneity

Written By: Dan Eachus

Seattle-based producer Grant Eadie, known as Manatee Commune, has carved a unique niche within the electronic music landscape. With Simultaneity, his long-awaited return to Bastard Jazz, Eadie invites listeners into a sonic journey that reflects both his musical evolution and his profound love for ambient and house music. This album, released on July 19, 2024, marks a significant step forward in his artistry, showcasing a blend of lush soundscapes, intricate instrumentation, and a captivating sense of space.

A Shift in Sonic Landscape

Simultaneity is a bold departure from the traditional songwriting frameworks that characterized Eadie’s earlier works. Instead of relying on lyrics to convey emotion, Eadie immerses his audience in a world defined by texture and atmosphere. The album feels closer to the ambient genre than anything Manatee Commune has released previously, while still maintaining a foot firmly planted in house music. This blending of genres allows for a rich auditory experience, inviting listeners to explore the depths of sound rather than merely following a linear narrative.

The opening track, “Love Tone,” sets the tone for the album. Here, Eadie introduces a delicate voice memo of his partner, transformed into an ethereal vocal melody that floats through the air. This gentle introduction is the first of many moments throughout Simultaneity where human emotion seeps into the fabric of electronic sound. The lush synths that envelop the vocals add depth and warmth, making for an intimate listening experience right from the start.

The Role of Live Instrumentation

One of the standout features of Simultaneity is Eadie’s use of live instrumentation. While the album is undeniably electronic, it is infused with organic sounds that create a dynamic interplay between the two realms. Eadie’s background as a violist is evident, even when the orchestral elements are subdued. Instead, the warmth of his compositions is predominantly driven by the nostalgic synths reminiscent of the early ’80s, which rise to the forefront and create a vibrant tapestry of sound.

The percussion throughout the album is another highlight. Eadie opts for a variety of live instruments, including shakers, bells, tambourines, and rain sticks. These elements provide a lively rhythm that resonates with the listener, propelling the tracks forward while maintaining a sense of fluidity. This approach enhances the organic feel of the music, grounding it in a reality that often feels more tangible than traditional electronic compositions.

Tracks like “Mosaic” demonstrate Eadie’s adeptness at crafting soundscapes that evoke imagery and emotion. The crisp felt piano arpeggiation weaves through the piece, creating a warm sonic bath that feels both inviting and expansive. In “Path” and “Faulted,” simple bass lines serve as the backbone, allowing intricate patterns to emerge. These tracks build and release tension in a manner that is both satisfying and hypnotic, showcasing Eadie’s ability to create complex auditory shapes that resonate deeply with listeners.

A Journey Through Texture and Time

The overarching theme of Simultaneity is an exploration of the relationship between texture and time. Eadie captures the essence of nature with recorded sounds that evoke imagery of wind in wheatgrass, soft rain showers, and cascading beach sand. These environmental elements splash against warm drones and ascending melodies, creating an immersive experience that transports the listener to serene landscapes. The ambient nature of the album allows for introspection and contemplation, inviting listeners to lose themselves in the music.

As the album progresses, the subtlety and calmness of Eadie’s musicianship become increasingly evident. Each track, from “Cast” to “Cyclic,” unfolds gently, revealing layers of sound that intertwine and coalesce. The final track, “Touch Theme,” serves as a culmination of the journey. Here, a broad, open synthetic chord washes over the ears, gradually evolving into rhythmic chunks that playfully engage with a familiar house rhythm. This concluding piece encapsulates the essence of Simultaneity—a celebration of sound that bridges the gap between ambient introspection and the energetic pulse of dance music.

The Perfect Blend of IDM and Ambient

Simultaneity is a testament to Eadie’s growth as an artist. It combines elements of IDM (Intelligent Dance Music) and ambient genres into a cohesive work that resonates on multiple levels. The album’s unique sound, characterized by its earthy and busy instrumentation, reflects Eadie’s dedication to his craft. It is a project that invites listeners to explore the rich textures of sound while engaging with the emotional depth that only music can convey.

Overall, Manatee Commune’s Simultaneity is a mesmerizing work that defies traditional boundaries. With its lush production, intricate live instrumentation, and immersive soundscapes, the album stands as a significant evolution in Eadie’s musical journey. This release not only showcases his artistic maturity but also reaffirms his place within the electronic music scene. For fans of ambient and house music alike, Simultaneity is a must-listen—a beautifully crafted exploration of sound that lingers long after the final notes fade away.

For more information on the album and to listen to the tracks, you can visit the Soundcloud page here: https://on.soundcloud.com/jduA1gi35hw4En2d7