This is not the first time I have the occasion to write about the releases of Time Released Sound and again I find myself appreciating this limited edition release music label that is more an art project instead of a musical outlet. The new strike of Time Released Sound goes under the name of In Circles, which is the new album of Maps and Diagrams. For those of you who don’t know it, Maps and Diagrams is the solo project of Tim Martin who has already made his name in the electronic and ambient music world through his previous works such as Winter and Spring or The Voices of Time. I have to mention also the great album Sparks that is the first full collaboration of the Black Elk quartet of Ian Hawgood, Tim Martin , Danny Norbury and Clem Leek.
In Circles is Maps and Diagrams' second release through Time Released Sound and this new album is characterized by a multitude of sounds built over a unique and minimalist palette. The texture of sounds is incredible and their blend is so perfect that the result is an ambient, instrumental music with electronic hint so soft, so deep and sometimes so joyful, that really inebriates you and touches you somewhere inside. The album is composed of 13 songs spread over a bit more than one hour for a music experience that really will reward your ears.
In Circles opens up with ‘Talavera’ and as soon as you’ll press play this song will transmit you a magic sense of freedom. This sensation is everywhere in this song collection and it is a beautiful feeling. ‘Bosque’ follows the same path of the opening track but this time the British artist adds some electronic hints that make the song like the soundtrack to a journey in a magical place that doesn't exist. ‘Valargo’ is like the aura of a new day. It’s the sunlight of the early morning and soft like the pictures that Tim Martin realizes with his camera – I have to admit that I’m a fan not only of his music but also of him as a photographer. It seems that the artist looks for every possible way to express his creativity and this song is the picture of the morning light. Each note of it is like a sun kiss and it will make you feel like floating in the sunlight.
‘Ten Black Cards’ has a different tone. This song is a matter of intimacy and has the power to be what you want it to be. It has a melancholic sound to it that really touches me and it is perfect with the view of the rain falling on the window. Light comes back instead with the following ‘Kimura (Cadiz)’. The piano notes and the melody together create a dense wall of sound meanwhile the song slows down much like a whale floating in a blue ocean. I particularly like ‘A Bump In The Night’. The opening notes are so deep that they actually hurt me. ‘A Bump In The Night’ is so beautiful and I’m sure it will get you in a better mood instantly. Whenever you’re feeling sad, listen to this song and bring up yourself from the depths. I love the final notes that sound like a xylophone and chimes like a bell playing to bring back you to reality, back where you belong.
‘1985 (Moth Evolution)’ stands right in the center of the album. With its 7:36 minutes it is the longest track and I felt it is full of tension. It’s like if you are into the ocean and trying to arrive at the surface. You see the light and you feel close to it but at the same time you are still far from it. Towards the end the wall sound is so deep and dense and finally you are there. It’s incredible how this music is able to let you go away, far away. Just abandon yourself and let In Circles lead you in this magical experience. I love ‘Moorish Star’. I really do. The echoing notes like if they come from a magic oriental temple are amazing. I love them and the space between them: it’s like if they are suspended in space and time and together create a sweet melody. Great song.
The closing three songs are perfect. The first chord of ‘Madrid (Orion)’ begins with the sweet sound of birds and you suddenly feel somewhat intense and joyful. The field recordings that Tim uses in this song together with the melodic piano give an original touch to the song that can be described as 3 minutes and 44 seconds of sheer beauty. ‘At Home Again’ has the same mood of the previous song meanwhile ‘Yesterday’ is the best way to celebrate this collection of new gems. The unexpected gift is the vocal that dominates the scene over the sound of a heavy rain. It’s a craving, moving and incredibly beautiful singing. You are still looking at the rain through the window and the voice of Tim Martin is saying warms your heart and the sense of piece is immense. How is it possible not to love this song?
It’s incredible how the multitude of emotions the music is able to provoke and Maps and Diagrams is one of those artists that make it possible.
In Circles will appear in two formats - a strictly limited edition cork digi pack hand finished in antique wallpaper and a standard digi pack issue.
