Space Ambient Jazz Fusion, Proxima 1, the Long Journey

Album Review: “Proxima 1, the Long Journey” by Nicolás Cóppola
Written By: Dan Eachus

Nicolás Cóppola’s latest release, “Proxima 1, the Long Journey,” is a transcendent voyage into the depths of space through the medium of music. Seamlessly blending electronic tones with the improvisational spirit of jazz, Cóppola crafts an otherworldly sonic experience that captivates from the first note to the last. This album stands as a testament to the boundless creativity and innovation within the realm of contemporary electronic music.

The journey begins with “Four Point Twenty Two Light Years,” an expansive fifteen-minute odyssey that sets the stage for the cosmic voyage ahead. Lush synths ebb and flow like celestial bodies drifting through the void, while funky jazz elements inject a pulsating energy into the mix. It’s a mesmerizing opener that draws listeners into Cóppola’s sonic universe with its immersive soundscapes and intricate instrumentation.

As the journey progresses, tracks like “Cryogenic Awakening” and “Arrival” showcase Cóppola’s prowess at blending ambient textures with more structured compositions. “Cryogenic Awakening” serves as a bridge between the ethereal ambiance of the opening track and the dynamic rhythms of “Arrival,” which emerges as the album’s standout single. With its infectious groove and mesmerizing melodies, “Arrival” is a tour de force that demands repeat listens and has the potential to grace the top electronic playlists on platforms like Spotify.

The album reaches its climax with “A Night by the Alien Sea,” a mesmerizing fusion of ambient and structured elements that brings the journey to a satisfying conclusion. Here, Cóppola demonstrates his ability to evoke vivid imagery through sound, conjuring visions of distant worlds and alien landscapes with each sonic flourish.

In addition to the individual tracks, Cóppola includes a full continuous mix of the album, allowing listeners to experience the journey in its entirety without interruption. This thoughtful addition enhances the immersive nature of the album, inviting listeners to lose themselves in its cosmic tapestry from start to finish. Furthermore, the inclusion of a radio edit for “Arrival” ensures that the album’s standout track receives the recognition it deserves in the digital realm.

Overall, “Proxima 1, the Long Journey” is a masterful achievement that transcends genre boundaries and transports listeners to new dimensions of sound. With its blend of futuristic soundscapes and funky jazz elements, Nicolás Cóppola has crafted a truly mesmerizing sonic odyssey that deserves a place among the pantheon of great electronic albums. Prepare to embark on a journey unlike any other, as “Proxima 1” propels you into the far reaches of the cosmos on a musical adventure you won’t soon forget.

Dan Eachus is the President and co-owner of RetroSynth Lazersteel Records, with his own musical projects in the band Neutron Dreams and his solo project DMME.