Introducing A Path to Open Air II, the evolution of Tobias Wilden’s 2013 album, A Path to Open Air. This latest offering continues the introspective journey initiated by its predecessor, delving even deeper into Wilden’s perception of nature and music. Through meticulously crafted compositions, Wilden conveys a profound connection to the environment, capturing the yearning for tranquility found in remote locales and the ambiance far removed from urban confines through atmospheric acoustic soundscapes.
Inspired by natural landscapes, Wilden blends acoustic/classical elements — guitar, cello, double-bass, and Sanshin — with orchestral and electronic touches. His pastoral instrumentals oscillates between melodic allure and dissonant intrigue, while his intricate technicality is balanced by a delicate demeanor, engaging listeners with contemplation and depth.
From tracks like Beneath the Stones to Encounters, Wilden probes deep into hazy nostalgia with each subsequent piece. Through evocative playing, he paints aural landscapes existing between seasons and shifting moods, from the elegiac tones of Spring Nomad to the melancholia of Tidelands. While echoes of the early influence of Nick Drake may subtly surface in the track Tidelands, it’s not a direct homage but rather an organic inclusion of the ethereal quality of his sound that Wilden finds akin to his own meditative landscapes.
Pushing the boundaries of acoustic guitar music, Wilden uses layered guitar techniques to achieve a rich sound without alternate tunings, a shift from the original album’s approach. The ambient textures and layered guitar work echo the spirit of Michael Hedges, bringing to mind his guitar explorations and the mood of Windham Hill — for what it’s worth.
More than a collection of songs, A Path to Open Air II invites listeners to delve into the resonant, quiet moods beneath the surface of sound.
