Thamel and Jean D.L. - Soundscapes that pull you apart
- Bill McGuire
- Sep 3
- 2 min read
Temporary End is a collaboration by two Belgian artists, Thamel and Jean D.L.. Together they create an ambient soundscape that is full of sweeping panoramic sound that washes over and crushes you upon a sandy shore.
Thamel’s modular synth drones, pads and landscapes blend with the feedback and ambient guitar playing of Jean D.L.. They are joined on two tracks by violinist Catherine Graindorge who’s playing compliments the feeding back drone with both melody and sustained droning notes.
The three instruments work particularly well together on the song Three Sisters Fiasco. Droning synth weaving in and out with feedback and sustained guitar with the violin almost answering a call that the other two have put forth.
At several times throughout the album you can hear children playing. The field recording works great in that it sits down in the mix and draws your ear to it. I found myself wanting more but sometimes that is exactly what you want.
About two thirds of the way through the album there is a song that starts very different. A lone oscillator that is soon joined by a beautiful synth or guitar pad. The two parts play off each other until they are joined by subtle layer of noise. It is just lovely.
The use of white noise on the album is one of my favorite parts. There are times where it sounds like my body is being torn apart atom by atom, held in a state of total separation and then slammed back together again.
If you can find the time to let this album wash over you you will find this a well crafted and artful musical piece. This is a beautiful album of soundscape music that blends the artful use of white noise with ambient swells, subtle guitar feedback and complimentary droning violin.
Thank you so much !