(August 2009) Alpine is the brainchild and solo project of music therapist Alex Smalley. A
work that’s potent with the fragrance of a calm before the storm, its rustic
ambience is a momentary vision of tranquility. With just six consolidated
tracks, the EP presents an uncluttered approach to some of the most diverse and
imaginative instrumentation.
“Fr:om” is a vibrant piece of mystical charm; it stirs with the sounds of
enchanting wind chimes, gentle keys and darker flavoured strings, producing an
overall fuller texture of atmospheric sound. “Harmed,” in the very first
instance, appears to air on a more dramatic edge, before the track levels out
and becomes more grounded. “Climates” injects a brighter feel with its gracious
piano melody and giving off a rather intense shimmer is “Micro,” building in
texture while maintaining an element of the mysterious. With the use of some
clever field recordings “Weather” reaches out to the unconventional.
“To Stark” is the longest track at four minutes fourteen – its introduction
gives a statement of classical appeal and goes on to showcase the most sensitive
of sounds, which sparkle gently throughout the track.
This EP is a luscious soundscape, with an undercurrent of orchestral feel,
gently unwinding to give a snapshot of electronic bliss. It’s a truly karmic
journey, understated yet compelling, bearing some sweet fruits along the way.
Alex Smalley is currently working on a full length LP for Serein with Russian
String Quartet member Svitlana Samoylenko (Violin).
Fr:om Harmed Weather To Stark, Micro, Climates. is out now on Highpoint Lowlife. [Listen / Purchase]
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