Kammarheit - The Nest [Cyclic Law - 2015]Ten years since Pär Boström's last release, The Starwheel, 2015 sees him returning with The Nest on Cyclic Law. Dark and vast, the Swede's latest offering will wrap the listener in a sonic vision and take him across time and space. This lush and open album leaves plenty of room for the listener to take from it what he needs without being forced down any particular path. This freedom leaves the album open to interpretation which lends itself very well to repeat listens. Subtle but strong, The Nest moves slowly and deliberately, surrounding the listener with lush drones, but leaving enough breathing room to avoid suffocation. Exploring the chthonic depths, Kammarheit gives the listener enough sonic information to describe the scene while leaving it open enough to give a personal experience. The shorter tracks work well here, and manage to flow together to create a well done whole. While the sounds themselves are very rich, there's a restraint to them that allows the listener to take away from it whatever he desires. The Nest seems to be an album of subtle contrasts; it's sparse but full, it's dark but also light. While taking the listener on a journey through vast subterranean caverns, the brightness that rears its head from time to time adds a great perspective to the piece, and almost makes it feel alive. This could be the soundtrack to Jonah exploring his unfortunate new living quarters. Dark ambient pieces are often hard to describe, as they need to be felt to get the full experience. Kammarheit's The Nest is no exception, and the subtlety and lushness make for a great listen. The strength of the sounds stand on their own without being forceful, and the benefit is well worth the effort. Listen and experience, The Nest is a really solid album. Paul Casey
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