Reviewed by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Joachim Spieth is a musician who needs to keep composing, and the benefits of that urge are frequently passed on to his listeners. Vestige is the latest in a line of sonic explorations on his own label Affin Music, this time exploring “the dialogue between ambient atmospheres and dub-infused detail”.

What’s the music like?

As described…but the inference can easily be made by the listener that using dub leads to a relaxed rhythmic profile. Vestige proves that this is not always the case, for some of its tracks have a good deal of forward momentum, their profile supported by a solid and active rhythmic undercarriage.

Operating above this is Spieth’s trademark ambience, thick in texture but with a depth surrounding the listener – both reassuring and subtly inspiring.

A steady pulse runs through the ambient clouds of Residual, setting the pace and tone for the album, before the more immediately immersive Sonomorph. Iterate goes to similar depths, deeply textured and coloured, while Remnant shows off a satisfying rhythm track. 

Does it all work?

It does. Spieth gets the combination of ambience and forward movement just right.

Is it recommended?

Yes. Jordan Spieth has a high threshold when it comes to making quality ambient music, and while Vestige is thoughtful in its language, it is a deeply satisfying, immersive experience.

Listen / Buy

Published post no.2,827 – Sunday 15 March 2026