SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: JONAS BONNETTA – ALL THIS HERE

Jonas Bonnetta
All This Here
Idea Of North Recordings

Jonas Bonnetta usually records under the name Evening Hymns, and although Bonnetta usually includes an ambient track on the Evening Hymns albums, All This Here, is his first ambient album.  And it is, in one word, brilliant.

Bonnetta incorporates found sound, musical instruments and ambience to create melody and mood. No vocals, just spacious sound. And the space here is as important as any instrument he uses. As one listens to this, from the opening track, “Seldom”, one is transported to somewhere calm, peaceful and a little melancholy.

Bonnetta does have some help with this album, namely Mika Posen (violin), and Anne Müeller (cello). Bonnetta handles everything else, including production. And that is what sets this apart from other ambient albums, it is the mix of sound and instruments.  Ambient albums may sound like they are easy to assemble, but when one listens, one can tell the average from the above average. All This Here is above average. This is thoughtful and well thought out album. It flows perfectly.

Bonnetta was smart to release this as a solo album rather than an Evening Hymns one. Although Evening Hymns albums do feature ambient tracks, this is very different from the music he does with that band.    All This Here is a stand alone, although because it is Bonnetta, melodies creep in through the layered sounds, making the listening a pleasurable, and yet in some ways, unsettling. The sound sounds come in and out and one does not know what to expect.

Bonnetta is one of the most talented artists today, both as a solo artist and under the name Evening Hymns. All This Here is just another example of the depth of talent this man possesses.

As with any ambient release, this is not for everyone, nor is meant to be. But for those who are open to use of sound and music in a visual sense, this is the album for them.

All This Here is a thing of beauty. An album that will stand the test of time and will continue to grow in stature over the years. And there is a limited pressing on white vinyl. What more could you want?

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