Denmark's
Jonas Munk
(aka
Manual
) and Michigan's
Jason Kolb
(of space rock band
Auburn Lull
) have been releasing ambient records together as
Billow Observatory
since 2012. The project started off with slow, moving beatless soundscapes that sonically resembled a fleet of clouds drifting across the horizon. The duo's subsequent records have branched out a bit, adding features such as ambient techno pulsations, dubby echo, and frosty beats, as well as richer, more pronounced guitar tones.
The Glass Curtain
, the fifth
full-length, is meant as a return to the ambient vistas of the project's debut, concentrating entirely on spacious, rolling loops and the occasional crackling field recording. A few tracks approach the warmth and earthiness of what's come to be known as ambient country, while other pieces feel a bit icier and more distant. "Colza" in particular has a melancholy glow to it, and gradually gets swept away by shimmering distortion. "Shadow Through the Eyelet" mainly consists of simple note repetitions, and "Armistice" expands on that premise, lingering longer and resounding deeper. The final two pieces feel like they take place after dusk, with "Arise and Perish" resembling a dark fog rolling in, and nocturnal life flourishing during "Sundial."
overall feels balanced and natural, dwelling in both darkness and brightness. ~ Paul Simpson