Sonae’s full-length debut on the Monika Enterprise label utilises its fair share of ambient simplicities, programming wise. Reversing sounds always add an element on instability when purposely falling in waves over airy pads; and opener ‘Gewitterspaziergang’ draws the listener in with pleasant coaxing aural gestures.
The title track utilises a bed of simplistic, yet effective harmonics. Maybe on the edge of a little too piercing for my liking, they could have been rounded off somewhat; but that technique will come with time.
An endless bank of drones appear to be at Sonae’s disposal and she isn’t afraid to use them where least expected. Chopping and changing from easy listening, to off kilter tension, shows a brave maturity; and it can be quite disconcerting to be wrapped in a warm glow one minute, only to be dropped in a sea of icy cold drowning ambience, the next.
Sparing glitches, gloopy electronics and shiny pitches are aplenty; and it’s this mini arsenal that makes ‘Far Away is Right Around the Corner‘ a pleasant and endearing listen, that kept me engaged from start to finish.
8/10