Listening to Jeffrey Silverstein’s You Become The Mountain feels like you’re laying down on a soft cloud as it floats you through a golden sunrise.

The Portland-based musician uses pedal steel, minimalist electric percussion and slick, reverb-soaked guitar to create dreamy soundscapes that are rich with comforting vibes. Occasionally, he mixes in his own vocals and in the case of “A Dog’s Age,” even found sounds and spoken word pieces, which help to give the record a more organic, lived-in feel. You truly feel that this record is a peak into Silverstein’s own personal world.

A constant that runs throughout this album is a feeling of peace and contentment. Songs like “Easy Rider” and “Cosmic Scene” have chill rhythms and ultra mellow electric picking that is always backed by sweet waves of sunny pedal steel guitar. You can even practically hear Silverstein smile as he sings these songs, which gives them an extra bit of charm. When you notice moments like that, you often can’t help but smile right back.

The liner notes state that much of the record was inspired by the natural landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, which perhaps doesn’t come as much of a surprise, as the sounds here frequently inspire images like serene lakes surrounded by heavily forested mountains and vast green plateaus.

In this cruel, frustrating and confusing world that we’re living in today, it’s imperative to listen to albums like You Become The Mountain, as it reminds us that there’s still beauty and joy to be found in this reality. If you need to reset your mind and soul, do yourself a favor and put this record on repeat for a while.

You can get this album on cassette or digital right here.

-KH

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