The world right now throws us some very testing times. They may not be the icy peaks of danger that one chooses to conquer. No, these times are different mountains to climb. They are treacherous uncharted waters. But be brave enough to cross them and once we’ve come through this voyage, we might just win ourselves a new home. A new golden age.
An emotional connection with textures and audio visions
Having only been turned on to Panama Fleets last month, it is a rare experience of receiving a new album from this great artist within weeks rather than years. However I later learn that the last release I reviewed was a re-release of two EP’s in one.
This time round Sparkwood Records showcases The Golden Age of Alpinism. The soundscape dedicated to a decade in mountaineering between Alfred Wills’ ascent of the Wetterhorn in 1854 and Edward Whymper’s ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865. This was a time which many major peaks in the Alps saw their first ascents, so a time for discovery. A time of reflection on oneself and the environment.
I’ve been waiting and sitting on this release for a while before listening as I’ve been in recovery from the sheer brilliance of what I last heard. So.. here goes:
The album opens with the title track with some clock-making, Swiss synth, alpine village church chimes. Reflecting sounds bounce around green mountain pastures. A gentle beat and we’re climbing into breezy heights of wonder. Hazy SH-101 type leads indicating our ascent. “Alpenföhn,” the second track takes us even higher, above the clouds and in the bright sunshine. The track is so cleverly layered, a slight hint of guitar, it really is just the right amount of everything and gives emotional connection with its textures and audio visions.
Being a skier I know what the track title “Double Black Diamond” means. The track starts off okay, but to me personally I’m challenged half way through and completely thrown off. Is this intentional? I mean it’s good. But I wasn’t expecting that sort of arrangement. It feels a little out of place, but then I skied the Swiss wall a few times and hated every second of it. Where’s the gain in trying to achieve something difficult if it’s not rewarding?
Moving on in the recording now, to music under a canopy of stars. “Bivouac,” a cold crisp night, safe and warm in your sleeping back. This music is settling for the mind, it’s time to relax and once again wonder about the importance of life’s dream. Not much attention is needed, just the pure emotive music doing it’s job on you. Subtle hints are given in track titles that set you on the right road, but the music is doing it’s job in making you feel like you’re on top of the world.
Where’s the gain in trying to achieve something difficult if it’s not rewarding?
Panama Fleets is really doing something truly great. The subject matter, the artwork, the philosophy, and most importantly the music really grips. It’s music that cuts right through to a peaceful time and place. Discogs lists this musicians name as Darien Panama. I’m not sure how true that is as coming from Wikipedia notes that ‘Darién Province, Panama with a population of 7,976 as of 2010’. Well, whoever makes this sweet stuff, I do hope there’s much more to come, and I’ll be waiting for it when it does.
A famous question was once asked to a mountaineer, I can’t recall who it was, but when asked why risk life and limb climbing a dangerous mountain. They simply replied “because it is there”. Fear is life’s ultimate motivator or de-motivator. For some it drives their ambition of testing new waters, for others it keeps them locked up indoors. The world right now throws us some very testing times. They may not be the icy peaks of danger that one chooses to conquer. No, these times are different mountains to climb. They are treacherous uncharted waters. But be brave enough to cross them and once we’ve come through this voyage, we might just win ourselves a new home. A new golden age.
So if you’re holed up and anxious. Do yourself a favor and reflect on life with this music.
Golden Age of Alpinism is available on Sparkwood.
