London-based artist Esbe crafts a gorgeous instrumental folk appeal on her new album Mountain Aires. Esbe’s tenth release enamors in its multiple layers of guitar and wonderful atmospherics, invoking nature and landscape-set reflections in its track titles and memorable compositions. “Away from the speed and noise of the human world, alone with the natural sounds, the birds, or just the breeze, I wanted to capture the essence of mountain views and the surroundings,” Esbe explains.
“Mount Iwaki, Cherry Blossom at Hirosaki Castle” opens the album with an enchanting lushness. A sporadic, flowing lead is complemented by a steady trickling — complemented around mid-point by another guitar line that interacts gorgeously with the initial lead. “Sunset on Mount Hotaka” continues the hypnotic immersion, certainly evoking end-of-day contemplation with cohesive dual guitar layers and sense of airy spaciousness. A more familiar charm arises on “Echo Canyon, Only You, Sweet Child of Mine,” re-imagining the works from Alison Moyet and Guns N’ Roses with atmospheric, reserved folk captivation. Esbe seamlessly infuses these melodies, cohesively melding the “Only You” synth arpeggio with the famous “Sweet Child of Mine” guitar riff within one lush package.
The album’s second half continues to delight, particularly with the dynamic “Old Man of Storr.” One can almost envision various stages of life within the composition, from the quainter guitar inner-workings of the youngest and oldest — to the more frolicking mid-point as one explores the world with fervor. “Lalibela” is another standout, simple in its structural navigation though fully stirring in its gorgeous guitar work; that instrument’s atmospheric power combines with riveting songwriting on the fantastic Mountain Aires from Esbe.
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“Echo Canyon – Only You, Sweet Child of Mine” is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Rainy Days and Late Night Drives.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
