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Ethan Janais — Ultralight
(Absolute Probability ej0001, 2024, CD / LP / DL)

by Jon Davis, Published 2024-10-02

Ultralight Cover art

After releasing seven albums under the name Echo Us, Oregon’s Ethan Matthews presents the first album of a new era under the name Ethan Janais. Those who are familiar with his music, for example on Inland Empire (2023), will find a very similar sound and aesthetic. This is sophisticated pop music that includes elements of progressive rock and world music, all  presented in his inimitable fashion. If you’re looking for references, I would once again mention Mike Oldfield (as I have in previous reviews), Talk Talk, and a smidge of Camel — the more atmospheric kind, like Dust and Dreams. Matthews plays or programs every sound of the six tracks, handling a variety of stringed instruments (electric guitar, acoustic guitar, hammered dulcimer), synthesizers, and percussion, all assembled using loops and other means. He also sings on most of the tracks. His production style is lush and expansive, full of deep reverb and intricate echoes. He’s not using a drum kit on these tracks, and for the most part he steers away from programmed parts that even sound like a conventional kit, opting instead for patterns built from hand percussion and snare. Much of the time while I listen to this melodic music, I picture aerial shots of natural landscapes like the Faroe Islands or Iceland, and it’s the perfect soundtrack. I will admit that I prefer music with a little more edge to it, a bit of grit or dissonance, but I have to hand it to Ethan Janais for crafting Ultralight so well that I find it compelling in spite of its beauty.

Filed under: New releases, 2024 releases

Related artist(s): Echo Us / Ethan Janais

More info
http://ethanjanais.bandcamp.com/album/ultralight

 

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