A beautiful ambient album from Seattle-based artist Kyle Preston, Fear Not the Water exudes a meditative, aquatic-friendly charm in its atmospheric envelopment. Released alongside a poetry book that serves as a companion to the album, Fear Not the Water presents as a riveting listening experience — reflecting “themes of loss, exploration, and rebirth.”
A consistently compelling atmosphere emanates throughout. “Ocean Drifter” immerses from the get-go, weaving tranquil synth pads within a lushly enveloping swell. The aquatic intrigue continues on “Magnetic Shore,” where a gorgeous sense of illumination is conveyed in the effervescent pulsations and gentle bass-y subtleties past the two-minute turn.
Elsewhere, “Liquid Eclipse” twinkles with piano adornments, resembling ripples in calmly flowing water in its relaxing pace. The finale “Reborn As Art” concludes with a satiating glow, fit for nighttime aquariums in its melodic caressing. Fear Not the Water is a strong showcase in soundscapes from Kyle Preston.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Obscure Ambient’ Spotify playlist.