William Sanford, an eclectic and electronic musician from the Northwest Indiana/Chicago area, presents his latest sonic expedition, “Deep Mollusca.” Embracing influences from downtempo, IDM, ambient, soundtrack, new age, video games, art rock, and prog, Sanford’s musical journey is a testament to his diverse inspirations and imaginative approach. Rooted in his working-class origins, Sanford’s music transcends and yet embraces his history, offering a profound and sometimes belligerent reflection and promising an experience that is anything but mundane. Drawing from his previous kaleidoscopic tour of psychedelic nostalgia in “Boomer Vibes,” Sanford’s “Deep Mollusca” descends into darker and more mysterious depths.
William Sanford’s album, “Deep Mollusca,” released on December 14th, 2023, is an enthralling sonic odyssey that immerses listeners in an otherworldly experience. The album plunges into a dark and enigmatic realm, guided by haunting melodies and intricate rhythms. Departing from Sanford’s previous work, this album embodies a captivating narrative, chronicling The Faceless Protagonist’s journey through the mysterious depths of the ocean.
The album’s composition is a testament to William Sanford’s diverse influences. Each track serves as a chapter, unveiling different facets of the oceanic journey. From the eerie and foreboding tones that accompany the protagonist’s descent into the abyss to the rhythmic pulsations reminiscent of marine life, Sanford’s soundscapes are both evocative and immersive.
Deep Mollusca Album Track List:
The Pelagic Plunge:
“The Pelagic Plunge,” as the inaugural track of William Sanford’s album “Deep Mollusca,” serves as the gateway to an immersive aquatic realm. Opening with the immersive sounds of splashing and falling steeply, the track immediately sets a contemplative yet tantalizing tone. Ethereal synth textures, characterized by their slow, clean resonance, weave a tapestry of sound that envelops the listener, drawing them into the depths of the ocean’s mysteries.
Through its hypnotic allure, “The Pelagic Plunge” not only serves as an introduction but also as a compelling invitation into the enigmatic narrative woven throughout the album. The track’s ability to evoke a sense of intrigue and contemplation, coupled with its ethereal atmosphere and thought-provoking voiceover, sets the stage for the auditory expedition that awaits within the entirety of “Deep Mollusca”.
The track’s hypnotic allure is enhanced by the emergence of a pure, clean voiceover towards the conclusion. This addition elevates the ethereal atmosphere, speaking of the sea and leaving an air of intrigue lingering in its wake. Within “The Pelagic Plunge,” the synthesis of glinting textures and contemplative melodies creates a captivating sonic landscape, inviting listeners to embark on a mesmerizing journey into the unknown depths of the aquatic world.
Where Bathyal Became Twilight:
In the expansive tapestry of William Sanford’s album “Deep Mollusca,” “Where Bathyal Became Twilight” emerges as a vivid storytelling experience set to music. This track’s allure lies in its ability to narrate a compelling tale through electronic textures reminiscent of rhythmic strings. From their inception, these textures craft an immersive soundscape that instantly whisks listeners away into a realm of enchantment.
Enthralled by the captivating keys interwoven throughout, “Where Bathyal Became Twilight” creates an otherworldly atmosphere, evoking a sense of awe and enigma. Beyond delivering enchanting melodies, the track adeptly paints a vibrant auditory picture, gently guiding the listener’s essence through an enthralling narrative journey.
Across its duration, the ethereal keys persist in mesmerizing fashion, conjuring melodies that captivate with their beauty and allure. As the composition evolves, it envelops listeners in a musical realm that encapsulates both whimsy and profound depth, beckoning them to explore the mesmerizing depths of the album’s sonic vistas.
The Blood Red Waters of the Photic Zone:
In a collaborative effort featuring Buggly and f-r-a-g-i-l-e, William Sanford introduces “The Blood Red Waters of the Photic Zone” as a rhythmic and groove-filled escapade. This musical partnership encapsulates fluidity and charm. Infused with soulful nuances and a captivating rhythm, the track pulsates with an infectious energy that effortlessly draws listeners into its vibrant sonic realm.
Throughout this composition, submerged vocal segments intersperse the rhythmic beats, adding depth and allure to an already captivating auditory journey. Each beat and melody within the song mirrors the thematic exploration of the blood-red waters found within the photic zone. Through this collaborative effort, Sanford, Buggly, and f-r-a-g-i-l-e craft a musical narrative that is not only entrancing but also pulsates with vibrant energy.
“The Blood Red Waters of the Photic Zone” showcases a seamless amalgamation of diverse musical elements, merging soulful undertones with infectious rhythms. This fusion creates a track that not only grooves with captivating energy but also conjures vivid imagery of the mysterious and vibrant depths explored throughout the album’s thematic journey.
Despite Gumboot’s armor:
As the final crescendo of the mesmerizing journey that is “Deep Mollusca,” the album culminates in its fifteenth track, “Despite Gumboot’s Armor,” featuring A Beached Whale. This concluding opus encapsulates a full-circle narrative, commencing with receding waves and a melodic chirping from a bird. Gradually, the composition unfurls into a tranquil soundscape, enveloping the listener in a realm of immersive synths and pulsating but calm beats.
“Despite Gumboot’s Armor” extends a generous canvas for a dynamic and evolving auditory experience. Within its five-minute duration, the song orchestrates an exploration that captures the ever-shifting facets of the marine realm. From the gentle undulations of serene moments to the rhythmic echoing.
This closing piece serves as a harmonious finale, weaving together elements that reflect the album’s thematic essence. Through its evolving soundscape and immersive instrumentation, “Despite Gumboot’s Armor” invites listeners to journey through a sonic landscape that encapsulates the album’s profound exploration of the oceanic depths, culminating in a captivating finale that echoes the beauty and mystery of the marine world.
As the narrative unfolds, listeners traverse distinct sonic landscapes that vividly depict encounters with various creatures from the Mollusca phylum. The music mirrors the protagonist’s emotions, oscillating between moments of introspection and tension, reflecting the struggle and intrigue of the journey. Absent vocal singing, the beats and rhythms serve as the narrative voice, evoking imagery and emotions that transcend language.
“Deep Mollusca” is more than an album; it’s a narrative journey through sound. William Sanford’s ability to craft evocative melodies and intricate rhythms transports listeners into a world teeming with life, mystery, and unexplored depths. Sanford’s musical storytelling prowess shines throughout “Deep Mollusca,” offering a captivating and multi-layered experience that transcends traditional genre boundaries. “Deep Mollusca” marks a milestone in Sanford’s artistic evolution, showcasing his ability to create a compelling auditory adventure that resonates with its listeners on a deeply emotional level.
Dive into the depths of William Sanford’s musical craftsmanship, where beats and rhythms articulate a tale that transcends language, inviting you to paint your own vivid imagery and emotions within the expanse of the ocean’s depths.
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