dreamhub - soil horizons

Dreamhub

Soil Horizons
self-released; 2013

4.4 out of 5

By Kristen Fisher

A trick of the horizons, Dreamhub corners us against the thought provoking realities that are so ever present but often elude us on a daily basis, branching out to touch our emotions as soundscapes delve into the layers that exist in the world around us. Three minutes and forty-four seconds into “Horizon 1” I could sense the philosophy that Dreamhub, aka Kim Pedersen, tries to embrace with his alias. In his own words "Well, why not create a kind of a ‘hub’ where dreams can flow freely, minds can relax – and maybe for a moment or two – souls can find inner peace and a feeling of being safe and welcome on this earth." I can only imagine what it would be like to experience his once a month concerts at The National Cathedral of Denmark, where anyone can come and listen, and enjoy the serene landscapes his music creates. Not unlike some of Keith Fullerton Whitman’s best work Soil Horizons is sparse, hypnotic and revolves around minimalism. The notes and patterns seem almost perfect and thought out but at the same time feel completely organic and even improvisational. 

Soil Horizons is Pedersen’s fifth studio album and is composed of seven tracks that all stretch past the seven-minute mark. The songs are named in numeric order. This makes the most sense as this album could have easily not even have been separated into different songs. The album starts with the hypnotic "Horizon 1" in which the strongest instrument is the arepegiated synth in the beginning of the song, as beautiful clumps of white noise make themselves known  and the soundscape changes a number of times always introducing nuances that are subtle but so effective. The first track alone can produce a state of tranquility and even euphoria. "Horizon II" felt like I was an organism in its embryonic state waiting between the netherworlds. The track is magical and creates an entire soundscape that the listener can indulge in. 

The remaining tracks continue to take you on a journey that you have to experience to enjoy.  The album ends with the centerpiece "Horizon VII" which feels like the end to a journey as it creates a state of homeostasis for the listener. After listening to the last track I felt a sense of tranquility and peace that one might feel after meditating (it felt like Dreamhub created a hub just for me). Soil Horizons is an experience; an experience that pulls back the layers of the universe that surrounds us and reveals the awe and peace that lies underneath.

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