by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

This album marks a new chapter for the much-loved Castles in Space label, marking the launch of their Lunar Module CD imprint. Label devotees will note that Gordon Chapman-Fox is the man behind Warrington-Runcorn New Town Development Plan, and here we get to see his immersive, ambient side. The intention is for the listener to turn up the volume and dive headlong into the wide-open sound world.

What’s the music like?

There is an appealing subtlety to Chapman-Fox’s ambient work, though as he says it is most definitely not background music. It is instead music where you can enjoy the evolution process, either through close study or by stepping back to take in the whole. Working with orchestral sound libraries, Chapman-Fox creates an analogue sound, keen to keep the human elements of a wordless choir or of a bow scraping across a stringed instrument.

Components begins what is effectively a four-movement suite like the onward approach of a cloud, with broad textures and widely spaced drones, but also a front that has more defined musical features. Fringe acquires a brooding edge, with delicacy at its core but a structure that moves slowly but surely. Emphasis brings forward this vulnerability, the wordless choir a soothing constant as a soft, keyboard instrument traces lines against the sky. Finally Singular, which is less defined initially, but whose scratchy sound gains a treble element that glints against the dense backdrop rather beautifully.

Does it all work?

It does – and by moving slowly yet incrementally, Chapman-Fox achieves his objective to make people listen, either by stealth or by direct attention.

Is it recommended?

It is. Play this music very loudly and it will be an all-encompassing experience, while at the very least it will bring intense moments of calm to your world.

For fans of… Tim Hecker, Fennesz, Max Richter, A Winged Victory For The Sullen

Listen / Buy

Published post no.2,552 – Monday 2 June 2025