'Planar' EP
Rhombus Index
See Blue Audio SBA 022

1. Thale
2. Node
3. Leptosol
4. Xylem

Release date: 9 July 2021

lnk.to/SBA022

See Blue Audio: ambient / electronic / beatless / cinematic / downtempo / eclectic / introspective… Shade rather than light...

As summer approaches and the days are longer, it's time to breathe a little slower, reflect a little deeper, and live a little calmer. The warmth of the sun and the restorative power of nature are central to this transformation, which can also find artistic expression in myriad ways and not least through electronic music. Such is the case with the 'Planar' EP from Rhombus Index, another new addition to the See Blue Audio roster and the twenty-second release on the label.

Rhombus Index is the production guise of an ambient, soundscape and experimental electronic musician based in West Yorkshire, who has already released a series of EPs and provided soundtracks for several theatre productions. As well as the techniques of electronic composition and sound art, the Rhombus Index sound draws on the rich history of dance culture, and celebrates the freedom and joy that appreciation of this history can bring to making music.

The story of 'Planar' begins with field recordings and found sounds sourced in the open spaces around Halifax, his town of residence, and the surrounding beauty of the West Yorkshire countryside after heavy rain on a spring day in 2019. These days of walking through woods are a treat for the senses – that earthy petrichor smell of the trees after rain, the crack and rustle of sticks and leaves, the glisten of green moss on rocks – and an emotional haven of calm and tranquillity. From this, the creation of the four tracks that make up the EP began.

Back in the studio, these field recordings became the building blocks of the third track, 'Leptosol', which also features another signature component of the Rhombus Index sound with its evolving synth melodies and hypnotic sway. Within 'Leptosol' are traces of a Balearic sensibility that is also very much part of the See Blue Audio ethos.

The EP opens with 'Thale', which might be considered the beating heart of 'Planar'. Iridescent synths, reverberating ambience and gentle waves of sound create a beatless soundscape that is both electronic and organic in nature. The special feeling that comes after heavy rainfall is captured in the music, but also in the accompanying video that amplifies the trippy qualities of the track with its kaleidoscope of colours and glitchy effects, and hints towards psychedelia.

'Node' follows and is an exploration into algorithmic composition and modular synthesis. The influence of labels like Warp Records and the more abstract side of early techno can be heard among the electronic pulses and sonic haze, before 'Leptosol' takes us into its soothing synthesizer embrace.

On the closing track, 'Xylem', the mood changes again and the spirits are recharged with its xylophone samples, which have been stretched, layered and rerecorded to create an enchanting conclusion. The cycle of emotions that flow from connecting with nature has been completed, and we feel rejuvenated and our equilibrium is restored. Such is the power of electronic music and the story of the 'Planar' EP.

Photography: R.Cleveland Aaron.

Planar EP

'Planar' EP (preview) – Rhombus Index (See Blue Audio SBA #022)

Ambient / electronic / beatless / cinematic / downtempo / eclectic / introspective… Shade rather than light... Established 2019.

Submissions: contact@seeblueaudio.com