The natural synergy between Helpling and Jenkins is well known for bringing their melodic ringing dynamics of cinematic electronics, somehow merging piquant flavors of rock sensibilities, ambient electronic, and limitless atmospheric space music.
A deeply expansive aerial bliss
Gliding in from the heavens to open with slow sustained chords, coming together in places with an inspiring percussive tempo like a caravan seen in the harsh desert wilderness approaching from a great distance and spectral textural tones which are brought to sharp focus with a single deep booming drum beat beginning a dynamic alternating combination of piano, synthesizers and crisply distinct electric guitar. The tempo rotates from deep space into a rhythmic phase, consistently keeping the feeling of soaring inside, while weaving together a blend of beatless ambient electronics and an easy but powerful cadence, soaring high over a sonorous landscape that goes on forever. The amazing delay guitar is woven with keyboards and flourishes of percussion, fragile and delicate at times, while yielding a sound rich with power in other places. The natural synergy between Helpling and Jenkins is well known for bringing their melodic ringing dynamics of cinematic electronics, somehow merging piquant flavors of rock sensibilities, ambient electronic, and limitless atmospheric space music.
The listener is simultaneously electrified and delighted when exploring instrumental climates that celebrate the natural terrestrial world, and a deeply expansive aerial bliss. Featuring a cover image by Jourdan Laik, the album was mixed by David Helpling and mastered by the legendary Howard Givens. Previously Helpling and Jenkins have collaborated on a trio of albums, collectively winning FIVE awards from ZMR, while two of the albums were featured on the famous Echoes radio program as a CD of the month. First came Treasure, in 2007, bringing icy melodic space washes and drones alternating with powerful sonorous hand drums, launching the duo’s musical collaboration. Next came The Crossing in 2010, providing thrilling cosmic mountain top views connecting strong melodies over powerful percussion with floating atmospherics and textures. The climax of the trilogy is the album Found, which was released in 2013, bringing together cinematic electronics and thundering drums with synthesizers and haunting melodic guitars. Of special note, the title track of Treasure features heavenly ethereal touches by internationally acclaimed vocal stylist Miriam Stockley.
Released by Spotted Peccary on March 8 2024, A Treasured World by David Helpling & Jon Jenkins is a special unannounced single track, 5:50 in length, boldly breaking the rules of ambient and space rock, creating new grooves and exploring exquisite celestial sensations.
A Treasured World is available on Spotted Peccary. [Bandcamp]
