There are sonic architects, and then there is Conveniens—a duo who treats sound like sculpture, chiseling ambient worlds out of silence and synth. Longtime readers of this blog will remember their ethereal fingerprints—David Sterling Smith’s spellbinding command of keyboards and synthesizers, and John Maz’s intuitive percussion work that sounds less like rhythm and more like the heartbeat of some hidden dimension. Together, they don’t just make music; they invite you to listen to the unseen.
Their latest offering, “Tonsure,” is a masterclass in restraint and atmosphere. From the very first note, you’re submerged in an aquatic dreamscape where stillness speaks volumes. The track opens like a ripple in slow motion, with pulsing synth pads breathing in and out like ancient sea creatures, while soft percussive textures flicker through the mix like sonar in a cavern. It’s meditative, even spiritual—channeling the echo of 1986 V.O.C. ambient with a modern touch that feels both reverent and fresh.
Smith’s keyboard work here is patient and poetic—he’s not playing notes; he’s crafting space. Maz answers with drumming that feels more like storytelling, organic and loose, echoing across a wide, underwater hall. The mix is pristine yet unhurried, letting the textures unfold like time itself has slowed down to listen.
“Tonsure” isn’t just a track—it’s a ceremony. A conversation between whales. A prayer from the ocean floor. Conveniens reminds us that ambient music isn’t background; it’s a portal. And in 2024, no one’s building them quite like this. Welcome back, Conveniens. We’ve missed this depth.
Listen to “Cigarette Trick” on Spotify
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