Carillon – Venus / Moon Knob is the second solo release to date from talented Baltimore producer and composer Ken Quam. Primarily creating meditative chillout instrumentals using synthesizers, vibraphone, percussion and samples, Quamβs first single as Carillon was the single The Whole Earth way back in 2020, a release that comprised three equally relaxing and contemplative tracks. His second release under the moniker carries on this theme, with both tracks utilizing muted rhythms and gently whirring synths that combine to form a truly transcendental experience for their listeners.
The opening track Venus clocks in at five-and-a-half-minutes long, and as the title suggests focuses chiefly around a cosmic theme. Calming but annunciatory synths sound like the kind that might be played over a shot of stars glistening in the night sky, whilst an echo-laden male voice calmly provides simple instructions for listeners to follow (βIβm going to walk you through a series of simple exercises to increase your awareness of your breathingβ) as dreamlike pads hum continuously in the background, almost like a guided meditation.Β
The second track on Carillon – Venus / Moon Knob, meanwhile, features more of a progressive overtone, with sparkling synth melodies twisting and turning in unexpected directions, but never feeling anything less than calming. Again based on its title, you can imagine that this piece was also influenced by the idea of traveling through outer space, but where Venus has a more lighthearted, airier tone, Moon Knob enters into more exploratory territory. Bleeping synths flicker quietly away in the background, whilst wistful piano tones offset the low throbs of bass that keep everything grounded.
βI recorded both of these tracks during a four-day stay at Pineapple Room Studio in the Hudson Valleyβ said Quam of the two tracks that feature on Carillon – Venus / Moon Knob. βWe were able to capture some spontaneous, magical momentsβ. On the latter point it is difficult to disagree, with both tracks on this release successfully capturing the relaxing but contemplative sound Quam has so clearly set out to create.
