One of the most exciting developments in the underground recently has been the ever-expanding crossover of experimental and country music. From unorthodox pedal steel soundscapes to full-blown ambient-country hybrids, this unexpected blend of styles have produced some daringly original records and thrilling concepts. However, with the upcoming release of their debut full-length LP, Nashville Ambient Ensemble has evolved this fusion of disparate elements further than likely any other artist.
Available now for digital preorders (with vinyl and CD preorders going live on February 29th) through Centripetal Force Records, Cerulean finds electronic composer Michael Hix picking up where artists like SUSS and Jordan Reyes left off, and rocketing into uncharted territories through the use of a wider assortment of instruments, techniques and vocals (the ambient-country subgenre has so far been almost entirely instrumental). Along with his stellar band, which features the likes of Luke Schneider (pedal steel guitar) and Belly Full of Stars’ Kim Rueger (piano), Hix developed an unparalleled heady concoction that shares its DNA with new age music, free jazz and minimalist bluegrass.
We are absolutely honored to be able to give you a first taste of this unique brew with the band’s first music video, “Conversion.” On this track, the ensemble, which also includes Diatom Deli’s Deli Paloma-Sisk, Cynthia Cárdenas, Jack Silverman, and Timon Kaple, blends together dreamy synths with breathy vocals and somber waves of pedal steel with Jerry Garcia-like fractal guitar solos. The group then approached the composition with an improvisatory openness, where anyone could be allowed the space and time to plug into the composition’s basic foundation and cut a solo. Coltrane and Tony Rice would be proud.
Check it out below:
Click here to preorder this truly one of a kind album today.
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