Greg Fenton reviews JL Segel – Fog – Self Release
Mentioning the word ambient or music closely associated with the genre may feel like we’ve all been here before, conjuring soft, rolling landscapes unfolding across the space between the speakers and summoning a quiet intensity stirring emotions from deep within. Or something resembling that experience. But with JL Segel what sets his music apart from the humdrum is the depth he delves into through a resolute spark of cinematic musicality, giving this richly atmospheric set of sounds a defining quality and setting the compositions apart from mere sequences of drones and their impersonal, mechanical meanderings.
Alternatively, the arpeggios in Icy Shards dance as much as they sing, like a fistful of spectacular, failing stars. While Guiding Still draws on a host of low-end theory and refines your acquaintance with matters melancholy, it remains blissfully hopeful producing a truly electrifying listen, this time accompanied by a thud of drums. The EP begins with the brooding, sonic adventure of the interplanetary Grey Into Grey, followed by complementary tones adorning Salt Sting.
Release: February 12
Download/Stream on all platforms
JL Segel Instagram
You must be logged in to post a comment.