Spectreview: 地球 (Earth Earth) – ジャングル (Jungle)

-DEEP PINK-

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If there’s any credence to the notion that we’ve all lived many past lives, it’s that a significant number of people feel tied to the forest subconsciously. Where our ancestors fought for their lives amid perilous flora and fauna, many of us now find an ironic peace in comforting visions of verdant forests and lush jungles, a peace that’s nonetheless been heavily capitalized on by entrepreneurial spirits around the world. Many a meditation VHS and pocket stone have been sold in the hopes of finding inner tranquility through channeling ancient habitats, and the music industry historically is no different, especially back when New Age catapulted to the mainstream in the 70’s through the likes of pioneering ambient artists like Brian Eno and Harold Budd. Now the trend’s coming back around, and as people are craving escapism from generally anxious circumstances, Hiraeth Records is back with a rerelease of Earth Earth’s 2014 ambient piece, ジャングル (Jungle), with an extended bonus track added to round out its new status as a standalone album (Earth Earth, of course, is Jornt Elzinga, one of dreamwave’s preeminent artists, so he’s no stranger to picture-perfect landscapes set to music). As Hiraeth’s second release, Jungle comparatively trades Building A Better World’s melancholic futurism for something more blissful and serene, less of a homage to new age than a direct recreating. That does rob it a little of its staying power, but given that it’s divided only into two sides with no track dividers, the point is less “conventional album” and more “meditative experience”. In that regard its largely a success, and the typical magic is definitely present here, especially in the album’s transitional moments, places where ambient’s power often lies. Each shift in background noise, from placid birdsong to rain to thunder, is meant to evoke an emotional response, a change in the heart’s swirl, and for the most part these changes are well-paced and thoughtfully executed. The ultra-calming, understated bonus track is also a nice addition, providing a portal out of the trees back into reality.

Recommended for the head, aaaaaaaaall the way to the tips of your toes.