Another of Modularfield‘s lavishly packaged cassette-only releases and yet another welcome change of direction for the label. Ambient guitarist Lela Amparo has released six of the most deliciously sweet guitar-based instrumentals on this mini-album. I know nothing of the artist, only that she has a deft and subtle way with a guitar that is the sort of salve for your soul, like a pastel sunset.
The guitar is shimmering and spring-like on opener “Hounds”, a repetitive motif underlying a more carefree and meandering passage that links arms with a gentle violin to find their way into a hidden landscape. It is the sort of music that evokes time spent in a hidden glade or some clearing in a forest, or maybe even a deserted beach in March. The clear tones and bright sounds have a natural feel that, when allied to a stumbling banjo on “Oakwood”, reflect a touch of Americana, but not in an overbearing way. “Coastal Dusk” is self-explanatory, its circular motion warm and a little soporific.
The second side’s opener “Gardermoen” reminds a little of some of Felt‘s more pastoral moments, and when the violin makes a welcome return on the closing “Dalslands Honey”, you could be strolling along a coastal path, heather and gorse littering the path as the clouds skitter by, borne by a warm breeze. Down the cliff is a hidden bay, seals moving in the surf as you look around and realise that for the moment all this is yours. This track is longer than the others and for that reason more mesmerising, taking you away to a place that is just yours.Who knows if Palm House is a one-off from Lela, but judging by the simple beauty of the release, she certainly has a lot more to offer.
-Mr Olivetti-
