In parts confounding and in others mesmerising, JSDavani’s latest experimental exploration into the fascinations of what ambient electronic sounds can achieve is another tour de force for the prodigal producer from the United States. “Again Begin” is a record that traverses a lot of sonic ground with a knack for the minimal while also exploring the more grandiose and immersive. It’s immensely gratifying in parts, but more so exceptionally reassuring and relaxing for those moments when you need to tune out the white noise and look inward.
From the onset of its opening track to the slow undulation of “know not now/nor never know” JSDavani takes you through a meticulously layered process of sheer focus and blackout of what’s around you. It thrives on its quietness, but there’s such an unnerving quality to its overarching soundscape that keeps you so entirely immersed and engaged throughout.
There is a larger narrative to be explored through this record, one that comes through your own opting to focus and heed in attention to the detail of the small vocal chops and moments that find themselves in each track.
To me, however, this record is an escape. It’s a fantasy and dream that allows you to detach from reality for half an hour and entirely zone in to whatever you need at that moment in time. There’s a flourishing nature to the production, one that’s lavish yet restrained all at once. It’s a wholly mesmerising experience, a maze that allows you to walk through its hedges as it opens itself out to you but remains confounding should you not allow it to take over your mental state.
A nigh perfect piece of ambient music.