Stratafield‘s sophomore album, Sympathetic Waveforms, is an intricate sonic odyssey that bridges acoustic warmth and electronic innovation. Helmed by Peter Lewman, a former college radio DJ and passionate guitarist, the album pushes genre boundaries to craft a soundscape that is as diverse as it is cohesive. Recorded at Meta Music Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, with the skillful contributions of keyboardist and engineer Christian Poole, this release is an immersive exploration of folktronica, acid jazz, cinematic compositions, and more.
The opener, Elysian Fields, sets a high bar with its cinematic grandeur. The track begins in a serene natural setting, with crickets chirping, before introducing a Spaghetti Western-inspired guitar motif. The guitar performance is textured and intricate, underscored by woodblock percussive nuances that ground the track in a rhythmic narrative. A transcendent piano line elevates the piece, weaving in and out with a dynamic ebb and flow, making it a standout moment on the album. The result is a deeply emotional and cinematic experience.
Next up is Secret Room, which exudes an ethereal and contemplative energy. The celestial guitar work sets a melancholic yet uplifting tone, supported by cerebral sound design that hypnotizes the listener. The composition feels like a hidden treasure, revealing its layers gradually and rewarding patience with its rich emotional depth.
Terra Firma taps into classical roots while retaining a modern, cerebral touch. The piece evolves with deliberate dimensionality, its chord progressions unfolding like chapters in a novel. The cinematic nuance is palpable, and the arrangement creates a sense of tangible drama that resonates with us.
Opening with a meditative and ambient frequency, Army Ant introduces glitched guitar nuances that shimmer with divine energy. The intricate mastery of the guitar shines through, showcasing Peter Lewman’s deft touch and attention to detail. The track feels otherworldly, expanding with an ethereal and introspective aura.
Cumulonimbus Waltz opens with emotive synths that strike directly at the heart. The textured percussion adds a raw, human element to the otherwise celestial soundscape. The opus is deeply moving, an almost tear-inducing waltz that captivates with its emotional resonance and masterful sound design with dramatic bass chords. It also comes with a mesmerizing visual bringing to life the vibrant and awe-inspiring nature of its namesake.
This leads us to Lovely Ashley, which opens with the sounds of birds, immediately transporting us into a forested dreamscape. The emotive guitar crescendos guide the journey, complemented by glistening bell tones that lend an Eastern mystique. Cinematic and expansive, the track serves as a meditative escape into nature’s beauty.
Uptake Inhibitor introduces a trip-hop beat, layered with poetic and hypnotic melodies. The track is dynamic, constantly evolving in rhythm and tone, keeping the listener engaged. The interplay of beats and melodies creates a sonic tapestry that is both grounded and dreamlike.
Next is The Ripple Effect, which is immersive from the first synth notes, the composition is a cerebral and emotional journey. The layered synths and astral piano lines create a cosmic soundscape, ideal for introspective moments. The track encapsulates the album’s cinematic ethos, making it feel like the soundtrack to an avant-garde Hollywood film.
Butterfly Stitch bursts with drama and energy, opening with ethereal synths and a masterful guitar performance. The tempo shifts and wavy energy add a sense of unpredictability, keeping us on edge. It poignantly demonstrates the complexity and dimensionality of Stratafield‘s compositional approach.
Window Seat begins with guitar and reversed synth textures, creating a reflective and intimate atmosphere. The piece feels like a journey in and of itself, each layer unfolding as if revealing hidden landscapes. It’s both grounding and exploratory.
The Electronica reimagining of Secret Room infuses electronic elements into the original’s melancholic tone. The electronica rendition is sublime, seamlessly blending atmospheric energy with rhythmic complexity. It’s a track that begs to be experienced live.
Finally, the de-mixed version of Window Seat strips the composition to its essence, focusing on the raw, emotive power of the guitar. This minimalist approach highlights Peter Lewman’s instrumental mastery, closing the album on a reflective note.
Overall, Sympathetic Waveforms is a bold and deeply personal project that defies easy categorization. Peter Lewman’s dedication to innovation shines throughout, as he blends his acoustic guitar’s warm tones with electronic textures and cinematic compositions. The album’s meticulous production, helmed by Christian Poole, ensures that each track is a polished gem, rich with detail and emotion.
This release solidifies Stratafield’s place as a genre-defying force, offering a sonic experience that is both cerebral and heartfelt. It’s a journey, one that we will find ourselves returning to again and again. We have added Elysian Fields to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TRIPPY playlist, whilst we continue to explore Stratafield’s growing discography, and anticipate future releases from the project! You can also buy Sympathetic Waveforms on Bandcamp!