Back catalogue: Classical

Review: This new one from our favourite US ambient outlet takes the form of a selection of long-form compositions from artists who are close to the label. As such it's a perfect reflection of its signature sound - deeply immersive soundscapes, slowly shifting synths and meditative moods made with a mix of hardware tools, guitars, pedals and even baritone vocals. It's named after a Norwegian term for warmth and intimacy, which certainly plays out from the evolving loops of 'A Whisper' to the textured melancholy of 'Canaan' and the reverberant drift of 'Coronation Ring'.

Review: The Pop Ambient 2025 compilation from Kompakt marks an incredible 25-year journey for the ambient series, blending long-standing contributors with new talent. This year's edition upholds Kompakt's tradition of meditative atmospheres and subtle textures, opening with Leandro Fresco and Thore Pfeiffer's 'Goldwasserfluss'ia fragile, shimmering collaboration that sets the tone for an album both familiar and exploratory. Highlights include Pass Into Silence's 'Mirage', a delicate track that brings back Tetsuo Sakae's stoic precision, and 'Follow Me', a collaboration by Sebastian Mullaert and Tamara Davitashvili, adding a unique, intimate resonance. Max Wurden's 'Circles' captures the series' ethos, with a moving chord progression around the 2:55 markia reminder of why this series remains timeless. Other standout moments come from Sono Kollektiv with Nathalie Brum's 'Periadriatische Naht', where Luis Reich's flugelhorn enriches the ambient soundscape with jazz nuances and Andrew Thomas's 'Sunshine Night'. combining piano with Julia Parr's ethereal vocals. Jorg Burger's meticulous mastering polishes each track, while Veronika Unland's floral artwork provides a fitting visual. The series continues to transcend time, offering moments of reflection that feel unburdened by the rapid pace of modern life. Pop Ambient 2025 is a statement on the power of musical atmosphere, filled with serene landscapes and intricate soundscapes that linger well beyond the final note.

Review: Past Inside the Present, Healing Sound Propagandist and Fallen Moon Recordings mark an outstanding year with Past/Present 2024, a new three-hour compilation that spans serene ambience, deep drone and experimental sounds. Featuring scene legends like 36, bvdub, ASC and James Bernard alongside talents like Slow Dancing Society and Black Swan and rising artists such as Innesti and Angela Winter, the collection captures a rich blend of modern ambient music and showcases just how strong these imprints are. Opening with a 71-minute live mix by LA's Inquiri, this compilation has been curated by label founder Zach Frizzell aka zake and highlights like T.R. Jordan's 'Swapped' and Black Swan's 'Perhaps We Never Were' making a lasting impression.

Notes: Compiling all ECM New Series recordings in a high-quality 264+4-page paperback edition with large cover-prints, photographs of the interpreters and composers from the archives plus an introductory essay and an interview with producer Manfred Eicher, this compendium serves both as a companion for the musical journey through the label's rich catalogue as well as a snapshot of where the series is at in its 40th year.

Limited edition of 2000 copies.

High-quality print, 264+4 pages
Introductory essay (in English and German)
1986 Interview with Manfred Eicher about the beginnings of the New Series (in English and German)
Complete catalogue including expansive individual artist/composer segments
Archival photographs