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Synth Alchemist Captures Dreams in Sound
5 Oct
Summary
- Emily Sprague uses modular synths to capture elusive sensations.
- Album 'Cyano' blends ambient textures with fragmented lyrics.
- The artist is inspired by 19th-century botanist Anna Atkins.
Emily Sprague, a musician also known for her work with Florist, has released a new ambient album titled 'Cyano.' This release showcases her growing skill as a composer for modular synthesizers, blending her signature associative songwriting with an immersive vocal presence.
The album draws inspiration from the 19th-century botanist Anna Atkins, renowned for her photographic book on British algae. Sprague approaches her solo ambient work as a form of photography, aiming to capture fleeting moments and sensations rather than telling a linear story.
'Cyano' features fragments of lyrics, field-like electronic textures, and recurring imagery to articulate difficult-to-describe feelings, such as dreams or scents. The lyrical perspective often follows an observer navigating the natural world, contemplating their interconnectedness.
Sprague's process on this album exhibits a new rigor, applying her intuitive songwriting approach to a more deliberate practice. The music is characterized by slow pacing and minimalism, revealing intricate details within seemingly still soundscapes. This includes extended notes and asynchronous loops, interwoven with subtle harmonies and overtones, creating a sonic experience akin to microscopic observation.
