Outer Host - Source Notes

Outer Host

Source Notes
​self-released; 2022

By Matt Jensen

Outer Host started in 2020 during lockdown. The band wanted to experiment and make music with a mixture of organic and synthetic textures. In 2021 the band released an EP entitled The Gray Line and they are now back with a full-length album entitled Source Notes. They mention “The album was inspired by movie soundtracks. Each track is meant to capture a specific mood, moment, or place.”

The album starts with “Note:1” and it is a song that builds with intensity as it progresses. Synth melodies rumble with a kinetic energy that is soon followed by a steady kick drum. The guitar melody is a main focal point here and a little after the halfway mark the song is rocking out.

“Note: 2” is a bit of a slow burn. A steady and persistent sub bass line creates the foundation here. Airy and cosmic sounding elements float about making a rather serene bed of noises. It isn’t till the end of the song where distorted guitar builds into a huge crescendo, making for an absolutely epic ending.

“Note: 3” reminded me of something you might hear from a composer like Max Richter. The music is very spacious, orchestral and cerebral. It’s very dream-like. “Note: 4” has a sense of meditative stillness to it. Piano notes are spaced out and other orchestral elements come into focus making for a cinematic and thematic type of soundscape especially as it picks up in energy.

“Note: 5” has an ominous quality. Something about the pads and other electronic noises made me feel like I was exploring an alien spacecraft. After the alien spaceship I felt like I was transported to a desert wasteland on “Note: 6.”

The album continues with more soundscapes and I was impressed by the wide variety of sounds. “Note: 7” was a highlight. I loved the uplifting quality to this song. The post-rock infused “Note: 9” and delicate yet haunting “Note: 11” are great as well.  “Note: 12” is the closer and I felt like a proper send off with something distant yet huge sounding.

​This album is dynamic and vast. I wouldn’t be surprised if I heard some of the songs in a movie at some point because you can practically see the visuals. Recommended.

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