Reviewed by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Bristol-based composer Dan Moore made a three-day field trip to Kielder Water in 2022, having completed some extensive work into the history of the site.

This EP reflects on what he found, both from first-hand experience and from sonic material gathered from the site, which is Britain’s biggest man-made reservoir, a controversial redevelopment plan dating back to the 1960s. Dan’s music blends electronics with field recordings, interview samples and more analogue writing for strings.

Throughout the project he was mentored by film composer Dan Jones.

What’s the music like?

Consistently engaging, and pictorial.

As you might expect, the textures are wide open, but Moore approaches his audio descriptions in a number of different ways. The Architect is busy, its riffs playing backwards and forwards over a spacious backdrop, but the speed drops completely as the music pans out for VT-15, a piece of luxurious ambient textures but uncertain harmonies, using field recordings made from the tunnel underneath the valve tower. It has both depth and a glistening surface, richly coloured.

A Shift In The Land is initially uncertain of its direction, wavering uncertainly, until an emphatic string motif weighs in powerfully, dropping anchor over a distorted backing. The lapping of water is the restful backing to Mike, though the string figures above – often beautiful – are wary, too, and when dropping away in pitch leave the listener feeling uncertain.

Does it all work?

It does – and the only regret is the music isn’t longer, for there are some vivid stories here.

Is it recommended?

Yes. Kielder Water is an ambient experience but is tinged with unease, sitting on the edge of reality. Its music has the same appeal as the breathtaking scenes you encounter on a visit, and have an equally mysterious allure, too.

Listen / Buy

Published post no.2,864 – Tuesday 21 April 2026