** Album download includes high-quality FLAC files and a 36-page PDF with unique UV-painted artworks to accompany each track **

British visual and sonic artist Bruce Rimell presents a unique and mesmerising musical journey through the emotions of the UK coronavirus lockdown in Spring/Summer 2020. Meandering from ecstatic soundscapes to beatless meditative tone poems, ‘Sparkling Isolation’ draws its inspiration from those still moments where the mind turns inwards.

The title springs from a joke meme about quarantine that went around social media early in the lockdown, but the intent is thoughtful. Wandering melody lines weave in and out of sonic landscapes which emerge from distorted basslines, half-formed piano tunes, indistinct voices and altered environmental sounds.

As offbeat as it is introspective, ‘Sparkling Isolation’ presents the listener with an opportunity to ease off from the world into a rich and solitary inner journey. Perfect as a backdrop for meditation, and a unique soundtrack for body workers, massage therapists, yoga instructors and others who want to guide their students and clients into unusual and mesmerising spaces within.

‘Sparkling Isolation’ narrates Bruce’s inner experiences during the lockdown, from struggling to let go of the world, inner troubles and an inability to settle down, into spaces where he began not just to enjoy the isolation but thrive on it, and at length finding stillness and inner peace. Representing his return to music production after over a decade as a visual artist, this album is the result of his drive to do something completely different in these extraordinary times of the coronavirus pandemic.

Bruce’s immersive ambient soundscapes and lilting, drifting melodies have been likened to everything from a spiritual experience for the ears (“Shakti as music” as one listener put it) to something close to a film soundtrack. Artists in their studios have described it as inspirational accompaniment to their creative process, while meditators have been struck by the inner spaces his music transports them into (“Wow, this one really pins you to the ceiling!”)

At times strange and twisting, at other times warm and engaging, and influenced as much by ambient IDM as by classical composition, filmic textures and hints of post-rock, ‘Sparkling Isolation’ represents the start of a new, musical chapter in Bruce’s creative life. There will be more to come from this ambient and sonic landscape maker!