Ashot Danielyan - Beyond Northwind (Chitra)

The new Ashot Danielyan single is an ambient piano gem. "Beyond Northwind" is the opening track of his new Source LP for Chitra Records which is quite the ride, and like all thoughtful LPs more interested in art than clicks, leads us gently by the hand into the LP proper, and who wouldn't want to delve deeper after this most ethereal and enticing of album openers?

If I had to use one word to describe it then soft would be a serious contender. A faint ambient breeze disperses the residue of whatever was playing before, paving the way for the first affected piano tones to make their entrance. It's not long before minimal notes from both ends of the instrument face off, quickly deciding that co-existence is a more sonically enriching and mutually satisfying path forward. If that wasn't enough minimal string plucks choose their moments wisely to augment the already peaceful atmosphere, holding hands with the sustained keys as they sink into the fluffy atmospherics.

Whether you go any further into the LP is up to you. It's a well sequenced ride that patiently builds from this stellar, soporific start into longer and more intense ambient forms, before dissipating into endless silence. All I know is that "Beyond Northwind" is my pick and it sounds amazing as the Slow Ambient Playlist opener.