There’s something of a stigma attached to ambient, atmospheric music for some reason. When you tell someone you like it, their reaction tends to be one of mild confusion coupled with an inability to compute liking such ‘out-there’ music. For the uninitiated, it’s a genre built on providing the listener with compelling experiences, big soundscapes and sweeping, rich melodies. Hammock follow this blueprint to the letter, but provide enough of an emotive experience to mark them out as opposed to simply being one of the pack.
Combining the lush soundscapes of Sigur Ros with the stripped down, melody focussed approach of Helios, Chasing After Shadows is a rich, involving experience. As with many bands of this ilk, it features barely any vocals or lyrics aside from the occasional hushed accompaniment, which lets the music take your full focus. When it does, moments like the beautiful string arrangements at the close of Tristia or the quiet, Sigur Ros-like vocals on Breathturn will grab your attention and stick firmly in your memory. The entire album is solid throughout, with perhaps its only fault being its length. At 72 minutes, it’s not exactly a short and precise musical statement, and that allows your attention to wander towards the album’s conclusion. Regardless, Hammock have created an epic, emotional and involving experience with Chasing After Shadows, one that fans of the ambient genre will lap up and non-fans would do well to give some attention to aswell.
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