Released: February 2, 2024

Genre: Electronic / ambient jazz

From: France / US

Label: International Anthem

Why you should listen: Ariel Kalma, a French but Australian-based jazz and electronic composer, has teamed up with Jeremiah Chiu & Marta Sofia Honer, two incredibly talented field recording / ambient musicians for a collaboration called The Closest Thing to Silence. This came about after Ariel was asked to participate in BBC Radio 3’s Late Junction series of special collaborations, and was quick to suggest both other artists to be involved. The 11-track album features some expansive and stunning compositions, with synth melodies and wind instrumentation that capture a beauty and aura to their sound. The mesmerising opener “Ten Hour Wave” sets the tone for the album, with emotive wind instrumentation over stunning synth melodies that create a reflective, meditative energy. “Breathing In Three Orbits” has these meandering synth notes and melodies that are delicate and gorgeous, as the jittery electronics that appear within the track give it colour. The meandering, mesmerising electronics of “The Closest Thing To Silence” are powerful and give this track life and energy. “Dizzy Ditty” has this earthy, rich tone and texture to it, brought by subtle percussion, swirling wind instrumentation and jumpy and playful electronic rhythms. “Une Ombre Légère” is a stunning synth-led ambient piece that feels warm and embracing, while “New Air” is a stunning and moving ambient piece. Subtle choral vocals can be heard on “Écoute Au Loin”, as well as playful electronic melodies and immersive strings throughout, with the tribal energy of the second half of the track especially moving me. “A Treasure Chest” has gorgeous melodies throughout, a really beautiful moment on the album, while the energy of “Stay Centered” is vibrant. “Stack Attack” closes the album out with a dynamic composition, with stunning synths, strings and wind instrumentation that complement the electronic rhythms throughout. It’s a stunning closer and one which exemplifies the immersive artistic beauty of all 3 members. With The Closest Thing to Silence, Ariel Kalma, Jeremiah Chiu and Marta Sofia Honer have made a captivating and emotive body of work that, so far, is one of the most immersive and beautiful albums I’ve listened to this year.

The album: