Third Kind Records - The Beltane Tape

 Released: May 1

This new compilation contains contributions from a number of different artists, some of whom aren’t strangers to this blog such as Giants of Discovery, Swansither, and Veryan. But I was also intrigued to encounter some names I didn’t recognize. In fact, the very first track, “A Drowning At Molvern Lake” from Portland Vows, was so great at setting the tone of the compilation that I was hooked instantly. It has such a subtlety to it with its complementary warbly tones and minimal atmosphere. Much of the compilation follows in this pattern, giving us predominately subtle and sweet compositions that vary in their complexity. Things stay mostly ambient but there drums definitely find their way in. Notably, Hattie Cooke’s “Forest Floor” is one of these tracks featuring a rather uncomplicated and hypnotic drum beat that feels akin to some tribal or shamanic. 

Many of he other tracks keep with the strictly ambient atmospheres like Gvantsa Narim’s “A Ray of Sunlight Through My Windows.” It’s a lovely little piece with floating atmospheres a gentle intermittent melodies. It feels lie a dose of brevity among some of the darker pieces. But then there’s an oddball track or two as well with Swansither & Michael Tyack’s “A Lesson For Two Lutes.” I wouldn’t call it ambient, but the gentle interplay between the complementary lutes parts is rather fun. It feels like a bit of classical piece through in the middle of all this light and dark ambience. It is, if anything, a very fun piece that somehow doesn’t feel out of place at all. 

At least one artist, Inuzuka, took the liberty of be the one to bring us the field recording centric track with the sound of the countryside mixed in with the sound of flowing water. It is even one of the few tracks to feature a plucked instrument as well, although I can’t name the instrument with certainty. But it is a rather beautiful piece with quite a bit of depth in its minimal approach. But the compilation ends wonderfully as well with Rupert Lally’s “Maple Sunrise.” I found this one to be a perfect ending because it feels almost like an inverse of the opening track. It remains rather minimal but where the first track felt a bit dark and warbly, “Maple Sunrise” feels downright happy and joyous, while also keeping things wispy and ambient as well.