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Let’s talk about “Deep Valley”, an album that feels like the aural equivalent of stepping into a misty Australian wilderness, but only after thoroughly washing your soul with minimalist soundscapes. Recorded during a week-long residency, Seaworthy and Matt Rösner weave together natural field recordings with understated guitar, piano, and electronic textures. Imagine an eco-conscious “Music for Airports” with native birds singing backup vocals.

If you’re into ambient works that evolve slowly – gently suggesting a transcendental escape – then this album is an immersive treasure. It feels like the sound of nature itself stretching out in slow motion, reminding you to listen to a landscape rather than merely look at it.
The real charm lies in how each piece unfolds without the need for drama. Tracks like “River Reflections” and “Fallen Trees On The Far Shore” conjure the sensation of being lost in time, a nod to Arthur Boyd’s philosophy: “You can’t own a landscape”. The music doesn’t try to own the listener either; instead, it invites participation in a shared, peaceful moment.

However, if you’re looking for bold, sweeping dynamics or climactic builds, “Deep Valley” may feel a little too restrained. But therein lies its power – it isn’t here to impress, it’s here to resonate. And in today’s overstimulated, noisy world, the subtlety feels like an act of rebellion. “Deep Valley” whispers when others shout.

In comparison to other ambient releases – like works from artists such as Taylor Deupree or Lawrence English – it shares that delicate balance of environmental focus and spacious sound design, but Seaworthy and Rösner ground their work in a distinctly Australian landscape. The result? An album that feels deeply personal, yet universally calming.

So, is this record essential? Maybe not if you’re searching for high-concept electronic innovation, but for those who understand that the beauty of a moment is often found in its stillness, “Deep Valley” is a slow-burn delight. The sound of a world that is fragile and fleeting, yet eternal in its quiet majesty.