body / negative, the Los Angeles-based ambient shoegaze artist, offers a contemplative journey with “Persimmon.” This track delicately weaves together elements of shoegaze and ambient music, creating an intriguing sonic landscape that evolves in intensity as it progresses.
The song opens with delicate guitar fragments, enveloped in reverb, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Layers of otherworldly vocals float around the mix, adding depth and an introspective vibe. As the track unfolds, it gradually builds in intensity. Around the halfway mark, downtempo drums make their entrance, introducing a sense of momentum that propels the composition towards its conclusion.
“Pesimmon” serves as a reflection on the duality of a person – a pessimistic optimist, a sentiment beautifully encapsulated in the music’s ebb and flow.
This track is part of body / negative’s upcoming album, “Everett,” set to release on December 8th via Track Number Records. The album, mastered by Slowdive’s Simon Scott, showcases a lo-fi sound that fuses shoegaze and ambient elements, at times venturing into experimental territories. Many of the album’s recordings were made through a handheld tape recorder, and Andy Schiaffino, the multi-instrumentalist and vocalist behind body / negative, sang through a landline-style handset, infusing the vocals with a nostalgic hum akin to a phone call.
“Everett” consists of eight tracks that carry delicate memories on wings of melody. It’s a deeply personal and introspective creation, driven by Andy’s experiences and emotions. The album is also a collaborative effort, featuring artists such as Midwife (Madeline Johnston), Justin Maranga, and Amulets (Randall Taylor), all of whom have made significant contributions to its emotional tapestry.
“Persimmon,” in particular, emerges as a harmonious crescendo, featuring Andy’s guitar and vocals, along with the addition of heavier guitar by Justin Maranga. This track’s mixing and co-production by Megan Searl, an audio engineer with an impressive portfolio, adds a layer of professional polish to the composition.
