In the world of music, there are artists who create with meticulous planning and structure. Then, there are those who embrace spontaneity, allowing the creative process to flow organically. East Forest, the electro-acoustic project led by Krishna-Trevor Oswalt, falls into the latter category, and their latest track, “Landscape,” is a testament to the power of embracing the unknown.
The journey begins with a low down piano motif, accompanied by slow and steady drums that pound their way through the piece. As the track unfolds, metallic percussion joins in, building the vibe with what feels like accordion sounds and a subtle organ in the background. The arrangement comes together seamlessly, creating a wonderful laid-back atmosphere that envelops the listener.
But it is the spoken word vocals that truly elevate “Landscape” to a new level of evocative beauty. The poetic spoken word vocals add depth and emotion, allowing the listener to immerse themselves fully in the experience. The combination of these elements paints a vivid picture, transporting the audience to a world of introspection and reflection.
What makes “Landscape” even more intriguing is the story behind its creation. The full-length album, of which this track is a part, was conceived and captured in a single week. East Forest and Peter Broderick, a notable collaborator, gathered in a small house in the west of Ireland without any preconceived musical plan. The only condition was to be fully open to the ancient rocky hillside landscape known as “The Burren.”
In the midst of the beautiful Irish countryside, surrounded by deep green glades and the sounds of nature, the artists allowed the landscape to speak through their music. With a host of acoustic instruments, including piano, guitar, violin, and percussion, combined with subtle electronic sounds and field recordings from the local surroundings, a cascade of songs and improvised music emerged.
The resulting 12-song suite is a breathtaking exploration of diverse styles, ranging from folk songs to ambient soundscapes and from sprawling improvisations to concise compositions. Each piece presented in the order in which they were created during that enchanted week.
East Forest’s ability to seamlessly straddle the worlds of ambient, neoclassical, electronic, and indie-pop is showcased in “Landscape.” This track, as part of the full-length album, serves as a powerful reminder of the magic that can happen when artists allow themselves to be fully present in the creative process and embrace the beauty of the unknown.
