Hectera Audio

“Quiet Storms” opens its first track with a hazy, plucked reverb. Around a minute in we’re given a blunt, perhaps uncomfortable context as to what signalwave is; also known as “broken transmission” it is a genre utilizing pieces of broadcast media as a stylistic and thematic choice. In the case of “Quiet Storms” it’s often NOAA transmissions, appropriate with the title.

This is an album that’s been in my collection for a while. It’s approachable for signalwave, retaining sense of musical structure which is often times missing in this experimental genre.

The album opens with “Distance” and as mentioned – is full of hazy reverb, plucked strings and after a minute – what separates this out from a vibey drone type track – a NOAA transmission. The tone is set for this album. It’s warm and nostalgic in an uncomfortable way.

Tracks two, three and four are indicative of the storm impending and beginning as they all feel they work tightly together. “Looming” is forward with haze, breaking the drones down to a minimalist set of synths interrupted by another NOAA message. We’re shortly introduced to “Rain” which is a refreshing, organic drone – not a message or interruption to be heard – the rain shrouding the listener from all else before we’re led to “Thunder”. Another drone, though with crashing cymbals and low rhythmic drumming – in the end we’re introduced to another message, cutting through decisively. We’re informed of the progression of the storm once more, reminded of the possibilities – wind damage, hail, utility outings.

5 – “Comfort” Largely a warm, though oddly timed track. Keys play asynchronously from expectation. It’s haunting almost, everything mixed together muddily. The storm itself has arrived. This time when met by our NOAA transmission it’s almost a relief. It slowly fades in, eventually drowning out the muddied storm, bringing itself to clarity. A moment of respite.

6 – “Fear” is a forward track, calculated and harsh synths with subtle percussion. Though the percussion is steadily driven out by the synth’s increasing volume and temperature.

7 – “Mist” is steady and optimistic. We’re leaving the storm, it has passed and we’re left with the progression of the early morning. The track is one of the more comfortable ones on the album. The sounds feel more familiar than much of the rest of the album, in a nostalgic way.

8 – “Clear” is a progression of the former. The optimism gave way to a passive positivity, relief. Sounds and chords crescendo. Musically, compared to the rest of the album, it may feel almost overwhelming. Likely the least experimental track of the album.

9 – “Life” leads off with chirping, it feels very… natural, as pianos are backed by a somewhat different fuzz – rather than a haze – a warm difference compared to the other tracks. Notes sprawl, our reverberations are back in a clear way, rather than incidental in the storm. Occasional chirps are chimed in, the calm after the storm having well arrived in full swing. The album fades out cleanly – the haze, the fuzz all gone.