A wide range of sounds that go from ambient electronics to field recordings, to beautiful piano driven soundscapes and beats.
The Symbolic Interactions compilations have consistently brought us a wide range of sounds that go from ambient electronics to field recordings, to beautiful piano driven soundscapes and beats. Their latest compilation is no different—The Silence Was Warm Vol. 5 delivers in most fronts and when it doesn’t the tracks are at the very least intriguing.
Compilation opener “Nine Particles” (Mullr) is a prime example of what the compilation has to offer to us. RM’s work as a collage and visual artist shows here, as the track gently eases you into the landscape portrayed in the cover. Second track “4:3” (Summer Night Air) is the real highlight of the compilation which conveys a peaceful scene with harmonious synths until what resembles a heartbeat shows up, changing the dynamic of the tune completely. The track eases you into an in crescendo that doesn’t feel abrupt nor out of nowhere. It’s one of the most beautiful progressions on the entire compilation.
The Silence Was Warm Vol. 5 is a compilation that places the big guns upfront. Ard Bit shows up in the third track with “Hum Score”—a beat almost as compelling as the first two tunes. Though I confessed to being biased to what seems to be a delicious vinyl crackle that persists during the track. Elsewhere, though, the compilation could be considered a mixed bag. Roel Funcken shows up with “Cheen Groice”—a pulsating track that could find home in another, more aggressive compilation.
And it’s here where the compilation falters. From the evocative title to the first few tracks, this seems to be a compilation of ambient tracks with similar themes. What we have here, however, are tracks too diverse to fit the overarching theme. Even Wolke’s entry seems out of place as the playful composer cannot quite find itself in between tracks such as Versual’s “Germinal” or Set In Sand’s “Get Together,” given that both of these can only be described as filler.
Ultimately, what Symbolic Interaction does best is give a taste of incredibly diverse sounds. Even thought they do not quite gel that well in this entry, individually, tracks such as Ian Hawgood’s “Paper Harmonies (Tokyo)” shine because of their captivating simplicity. Thanks to SI, melodies as varied as these can be heard in one single place. In this instance, the intention is what counts.
The Silence Was Warm Volume 5 is available on Symbolic Interaction.
