motel void

Calming River is the project of experimental folk musician Joshua Malcolm.

Although I don’t usually gravitate towards instrumental music, his new single Nijod truly feels like a revelation. In recent years, the instrumental scene has been flooded with ambient or lo-fi beat tracks that often lack a distinct authorial voice – but this song really lifted my spirits, even though it carries a deeply somber tone.

Malcolm is a brilliant instrumentalist, His playing is mesmerizing, not because he tries to show off, but because he masterfully builds a haunting atmosphere. A gentle layer of synth adds to the emotional weight and mood of this piece.

For some reason, this track reminded me of the more melancholic recordings of my beloved artist Tim Buckley. I also thought of another contemporary British musician who performs under the name Rapt. I’m definitely looking forward to hearing more!