Emerging from the creative crossroads of Chicago, IL, and Portland, ME, 212° is a groundbreaking duo redefining ambient and experimental music. Composed of Tim Gardner and Marc Pelath, two seasoned musicians with distinct artistic visions, the band marries technical mastery with boundless creativity. Tim, known for his work with Thirst and The Cow, brings a deep understanding of the U8 touch guitar, while Marc, the architect behind The Laconic, adds his expertise in synth programming and sonic texture.
212°‘s journey began as a shared passion for pushing musical boundaries. United by their mutual admiration for artists like King Crimson, Brian Eno, and Aphex Twin, the duo found a common language in their love for ambient soundscapes and composed improvisation. Their artistry is also influenced by figures such as Markus Reuter, Steve Reich, and Philip Glass, evident in their intricate layering and progressive compositions.
As members of the Touch Guitar Circle, both Tim and Marc bring a unique perspective to their craft. Tim, a student of Markus Reuter, channels his mentor’s innovative spirit, while Marc’s programming expertise adds a futuristic dimension to their work. Together, they create music that transcends traditional genres, offering listeners a deeply immersive experience.
Released on December 1st, 2024, “Transmissions” is 212°’s debut album, a mesmerizing journey into uncharted sonic territories. Blending ambient, experimental, and progressive elements, the album weaves a captivating narrative of “first contact,” drawing inspiration from the rich tradition of science fiction literature and cinema. Crafted across two cities; Portland, ME, and Chicago, IL. The album is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. Each track is a sonic vignette, brought to life through Tim Gardner’s masterful touch guitar work and Marc Pelath’s rich synth textures. The duo’s seamless interplay, coupled with high-quality production and mastering by Erik Emil Eskildsen, creates an ethereal soundscape that is as thought-provoking as it is beautiful.
Transmissions Album Track List:
- To The Cirrocumulus.
- Atmospheric Storm.
- Signals Near Jupiter.
- Solar Waves.
- Suspended Animation.
- Adrift.
- Alarm In The Void.
- Strange Awakening.
- Ghost Ship Arrival.
- Dark Winds.
- System Failure.
- Debris Trails.
To The Cirrocumulus:
As the opening track of “Transmissions”, “To The Cirrocumulus” by 212° sets a celestial tone for the album, immediately immersing listeners in its ambient embrace. The song unfolds with sweeping synth pads and gentle guitar strums, evoking an expansive and weightless atmosphere. Piano-like notes pepper the soundscape with a dreamy, almost ancient quality, giving the track a paradisiacal essence. The absence of vocals places the instrumentation front and center, allowing Tim Gardner’s touch guitar and Marc Pelath’s synths to intertwine seamlessly, crafting a serene yet profound soundscape that mirrors the ethereal beauty of cirrocumulus clouds.
The track’s progression is hypnotic, with lush synth waves and intricate guitar melodies dancing together in a way that feels almost cosmic. The slow tempo and steady immersiveness mimic the ebb and flow of ocean tides, creating a meditative rhythm that invites introspection. This delicate balance between ambient serenity and subtle complexity is a testament to the duo’s mastery of their craft. Each element is rendered with pristine clarity, showcasing the meticulous production quality that defines the album.
By the time the track concludes, “To The Cirrocumulus” has taken its audience on a tranquil yet expansive journey. The interplay of textures and harmonies conjures an angelic orchestra, leaving listeners with a sense of awe and contemplation. As the first step into the sonic universe of “Transmissions”, this track sets the stage perfectly, promising a deeply immersive and thought-provoking experience in the chapters that follow.
Suspended Animation:
“Suspended Animation,” by 212° the fifth track from “Transmissions”, is a masterful exploration of ambient textures and melodic harmonics that captivates from the first note. It opens with a serene interplay of soft synths and delicate guitar harmonics, immediately establishing a dreamy, introspective atmosphere. The hauntingly melodic quality of the track adds an ethereal depth, while the guitar’s bright yet calming texture complements the diverse layers of synth ambience. This seamless fusion creates an immersive sonic tapestry that feels both otherworldly and deeply meditative, drawing the listener into its spell.
The track’s slow tempo and downbeat rhythm lend it a hypnotic and transcending quality, like a gentle dance of sound that unfolds in suspended time. As the composition progresses, subtle rhythmic elements emerge, adding a graceful momentum that enhances the track’s meditative allure without disrupting its serene core. The absence of vocals further amplifies the instrumentation’s emotive depth, allowing Tim Gardner’s intricate touch guitar work to merge effortlessly with Marc Pelath’s masterful synth textures. Together, they construct a soundscape that balances tranquility with a sense of gentle exploration.
Through its meticulous production, “Suspended Animation” delivers clarity and nuance in every layer, making each instrument’s contribution discernible and impactful. The track evokes a reflective stillness, inviting listeners to pause and immerse themselves fully in its ambient beauty. A quintessential example of 212°’s artistry, “Suspended Animation” not only resonates with its audience but also reinforces the album’s overarching narrative of introspection and discovery.
Strange Awakening:
“Strange Awakening,” by 212° a highlight of “Transmissions”, immediately transports listeners into a surreal and otherworldly soundscape. The track opens with an ethereal blend of ambient textures and experimental sounds, showcasing the duo’s ability to create a sonic environment that feels both familiar and avant-garde. Tim Gardner’s touch guitar work and effects intertwine seamlessly with Marc Pelath’s synth layers, forming a rich tapestry of sound. The slow, deliberate tempo and lush ambient tones evoke a cosmic reverie, drawing the listener into a paradisical realm of serenity and introspection.
What sets “Strange Awakening” apart is its dynamic progression. The track evolves from a hypnotic and dreamy atmosphere into something more sensational and textured. Bright yet soothing guitar lines are interwoven with lush synth pads, while a rhythmic beat emerges, adding a pulse of energy to the composition. This gradual build creates a sense of movement and exploration, balancing calmness with an underlying groove. The interplay between the instruments is masterful, resulting in a soundscape that sways between meditative stillness and gentle dynamism.
The production quality of “Strange Awakening” is impeccable, with each element rendered in stunning clarity. This attention to detail enhances the track’s immersive quality, allowing listeners to fully experience its evolving layers. As the track unfolds, it evokes a profound sense of exploration and introspection, leaving an indelible impression. “Strange Awakening” is not just a song; it’s an auditory journey, capturing the essence of 212°’s artistry and serving as a cornerstone of “Transmissions”.
Debris Trails:
“Debris Trails,” a standout from 212°’s “Transmissions”, begins with a bold and electrifying sonic assault. The brash synths and gritty guitar textures create an intense, grunge-inspired opening that instantly grabs attention. This fierce energy, however, swiftly transitions into something more serene, revealing a delicately layered downtempo progression. This shift showcases the duo’s ability to balance tension and tranquility, as the track retains a subtle hint of its gritty beginnings while embracing a majestic, contemplative rhythm. The intricate interplay between Tim Gardner’s touch guitar and Marc Pelath’s synth work is mesmerizing, setting the stage for a rich and immersive listening experience.
As the track unfolds, the consistency of its vibrations and reverberations becomes a defining characteristic. The absence of vocals allows the instrumentation to shine, with each layer contributing to the evolving narrative. The dynamic interplay between the calm and textured elements mirrors the journey through cosmic debris, a theme that aligns beautifully with the album’s overarching exploration of space and discovery. The careful production ensures that every nuance, whether it’s the sharp guitar lines or the ambient synth waves; is rendered with pristine clarity, adding depth to the track’s evocative soundscape.
“Debris Trails” is a masterclass in evolving dynamics and atmospheric storytelling. It captures the vastness and mystery of space while maintaining an emotional resonance that is both engaging and thought-provoking. By blending contrasting energies into a cohesive whole, the track stands as a testament to 212°’s ability to craft compositions that are as immersive as they are innovative. It’s a journey that leaves listeners captivated and eager to explore more of what “Transmissions” has to offer.
“Transmissions” is an album designed for those who seek music that transcends mere entertainment, offering an experience instead. It appeals to fans of ambient and experimental genres while remaining accessible to newcomers drawn to its narrative depth. Whether you’re meditating, reflecting, or simply exploring new sonic horizons, this album provides an immersive auditory journey. 212°’s “Transmissions” is more than a debut; it’s a declaration of artistry and innovation. Tim Gardner and Marc Pelath have crafted an album that not only showcases their technical prowess but also their ability to tell a compelling story through music. Inspired by the vastness of space and the mysteries of first contact, “Transmissions” invites listeners to embark on a journey of sound and imagination. It’s a remarkable introduction to the duo and a promising indication of the creative heights they are capable of achieving.
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