Troels Hammer-The/Human/Tree: Album Review

Troels Hammer and Music for Dreams is a match none other than Kenneth Bager can conjure up. Troels Hammer’s musical diversity ranges from the ambient to electronica, lounge to dance and fits well within the realm of MFD’s impressive and respected catalogue of releases. “The/Human/Tree,” Hammers’ second full-length release is a tapestry of beautifully layered sounds, bathing the listener in peace and tranquillity.

The opener, “Letters From Uhuru” featuring the soothing sax lines of Rodrigo Shah compliments the dark atmospheric synthesizers and piano chords setting the mood and the album’s overall tone. The next two tracks, “Botswana Girl” and “Mockingbird” expand on the ambient feeling with the addition of majestic tribal inspired vocals from Asne Valland Nordii and traditional African percussion instruments producing two distinct listening environments. Breezy and flighty flamenco style guitar, various Latin percussion, and soft sweeping electronic layers creates “Sunrise At Beira Beach” featuring Jacob Gurevitsch, giving us that classic Balearic sound to absolute perfection. Sublime piano, strings and upper register synthesizer sounds and chords orchestrate an absolute beauty in exquisite fashion of which you’ll agree on “Theme From Ngong Hills.”

The bottom half of the album is delightfully intriguing showcasing Hammer’s diverse song writing, staying in the ambient vein, but also branching out with experimental melodies, moods, and pace. Of these, “Grindadráp” featuring the vocal talents of Faroe islander Liv Næs, African infused “Fishing In Sahara,” the tropical rhythms and synth derived melodies in “Waves of Cape Town” with Kenneth Bager and Thomas Schulz, followed by the track “Mozambique” of which you’ll instantly recognize to be a stand-out selection. Featuring the world famous singer Deva Premel, the song highlights integration of her soothing and mystical vocals above the constructed music brings to mind a kind of blending of Deep Forest meets Enigma, and the constant percussive rhythms and the interspersed guitar throughout, adds an underlying tranquil quality.

Closing out with the final two tracks, “Gold Coast” which is of hypnotic new age lineage calms the mind and leads you to a peaceful, meditative and introspective piano interlude titled “View of Wisdom.”

In a capsule, “The/Human/Tree” showcases Troels Hammer’s ambient songs fused with hints of world music elements and influence as prolific asnd progressive, especially in the way he composes different moods, crossing different musical spectrums, as well as keeping it interesting, makes this collection of songs special. Furthermore, this is an album that produces a sense of peace and contentment that can be enjoyed any time, whether it be late-night shutdowns, early evening sunsets, and even at the beginning of the day, you can’t lose.

Buy it here.

TROELS HAMMER COVER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

—Joseph Wensell

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