STRANDED UNDER ENDLESS SKY

On Stranded Under Endless Sky the post rock-ambient unit Hammock presents a nice blend of sounds, layers and melancholia. Tracks flow beautifully from start to finish, with just enough variation added to keep them thoroughly interesting. Not being really a fan of the genre and its nearest relatives, this album was a surprisingly good find. The title track sets the mood for some fine blue ambience. I imagine a man walking alone in soft rain, wondering his life. Then follows Birds Flying In Sequence, my favourite track here, which uses some drum loops in the background of a guitar groove to create again a layer of deep emotions. The third track, good but nothing particularly interesting, serves as a bridge to An Empty Field, which is just plain nine minutes of epicness. Lots of echoes and ambience, topped by some beautiful guitar playing. After listening to this album I feel a sense of wonder and focus, something not very often found through music. For those who like instrumental and calm music Hammock is definitely something to check out.

A glimpse of calm passages.

The music of Hammock has entered in my life in the last couple of years, its multi-layered music offers calm and even mental healing if you are having a difficult moment, so their music could be a very good friend of your ears and soul. The duo released their first EP back in 2005, four very nice songs that might be labelled as post-rock, ambient music, or even new age for the purists; making a total time of 25 worth listening minutes.

"Stranded Under Endless Sky" is the title track and the opener. Here you will be enchanted by its beautiful 5 minutes, you just have to close the eyes, feel comfortable and send your stress away. "Birds Flying in Sequence" is a very visual track, if you are in the correct mood, I bet you will create lots of passages in your mind, so maybe a history can be told within these 8 minutes of peace and tranquility.

"Always Wishing You Were Somewhere Else" is short but with so many colors and textures, a nice vivid trip to self-conciousness. Finally, "An Empty Field" give us almost ten minutes of a great introspective journey, where the sounds flow as well as the mind's pictures. Although it might have the same style all the time, this EP is not plain at all, but you must be open to receive its nuances and let yourself be embraced by its charm.

This is not the best introduction to Hammock's music, but you might give it a spin and enjoy the calm.