Review: Jan Koekepan – ‘Depths’
I’ve often wondered whether scientists know more about The Milky Way than the oceans of Earth. Have we identified all ocean dwelling species lurking beyond the reach of sunlight? Doubtful. Surely life on other planets and space travel attracts more interest. Studying the Hadal Zone might never be as glamorous as hunting for black holes. Regardless, both regions represent a devastatingly lonesome and terrifying existence.
Depths, an introspective ambient narrative about the ocean zones (out now on Bandcamp), ignites wonder for those intrigued with the oceans remote expanses. Jan Koekepan, not a stranger to the concept album (check out Colony Flight), soundtracks a journey into the ocean, but instead of a cinematic adventure, Koekepan offers solitude and mystery.
“Waves” meanders with a crystalline sparkle. Incredibly gentle synths rise and fall. The ominous drone washes as far as the mind can see. Subtle, rhythmic lifts from sparsely played keys mimic the dance of Poseidon’s swirling trident. This isn’t beachside accompaniment. The undercurrent is too dark, too suggestive for a Mai Thai and drink umbrellas.
As the album progresses, Koekepan navigates listeners deeper into Atlantean space. “Twilight” beeps; representing a flicker of life, among a densely sequenced sea of time while “Abyssal” is more planetary induced. The cavernous rumbles, shifting layers, and brightly colored flourishes remind the listener living entities do dwell in such darkness. “Bathyal” actually sounds and feels like being submerged in inescapable water. The vocal manipulations pulse and bounce around created emptiness. The shadowy reaches of Ursula’s tentacles gently tug, sinking you deeper into the blackest of holes.
Of all the unifying pieces found on Depths, “Demersal” encompasses it all: The tender beauty of a tide waltzing around your feet to the loneliest of creatures occupying the ocean floor. Its variations and surprises reveal a need you never knew existed. Koekepan’s tangible ambience, out of stock drones, and blipped electronics shape a diversely enchanted suite. There’s an immeasurable chant, riding to and fro, never quite reaching nirvana, but cycling into a realm where belonging is easy.
Clocking in at over 77 minutes, Depths appears cumbersome. Its length has a pressure of its own. But upon invested listens, Depths is a perfect, deep meditation that bares something to be found within the spaces of imagined sounds.
(You can stream the album below via Bandcamp and purchase the new album here.)