Stratafield’s latest album “Sympathetic Waveforms,” released on October 4th, 2024, marks a significant evolution in the project’s sonic journey, blending acoustic-electronica, folktronica, and cinematic elements into an expansive musical tapestry. The brainchild of Peter Lewman, a seasoned college radio DJ with a deep appreciation for jazz, electronica, and alt-rock, Stratafield’s sound is unique, genre-defying, and constantly pushing musical boundaries. Influenced by the likes of 9Lazy9, Thelonious Monk, and The Beatles, “Sympathetic Waveforms” brings a new level of refinement to the project, capturing both the warmth of acoustic guitar and the cutting-edge experimentation of electronic elements. This is Lewman’s second album under the Stratafield moniker, and he has certainly elevated the production quality with a hybrid sound that is both captivating and introspective.
From the opening track, “Elysian Fields,” Stratafield showcases his ability to craft otherworldly soundscapes that feel simultaneously grounded and ethereal. The track begins with a gentle, rhythmic acoustic guitar that slowly builds in complexity, layering in percussive piano, ambient synths, and subtle electronic textures. This is a recurring motif throughout the album, each song is a careful orchestration of acoustic and electronic elements that, while contrasting, come together to create something entirely unique. The lush, layered arrangements are often driven by Lewman’s 1957 Gibson acoustic, which serves as the foundation for many of the compositions. It’s clear that the guitar’s warm tones and the rich, treated piano sounds are central to the album’s distinct sonic identity.
One of the standout tracks, “Secret Room,” highlights the innovative approach to rhythm and melody that defines “Sympathetic Waveforms”. The piece blends downtempo electronica with the organic feel of acoustic instrumentation, creating a cinematic atmosphere that draws listeners into a reflective space. The unique “treated” and percussive piano sounds that Lewman describes are especially evident here, weaving into the track’s complex layers with an almost hypnotic effect. The treatment of the piano, using the Una Corda library plug-in, adds an unexpected edge, contrasting the warmth of the guitar and elevating the album’s overall texture. The careful attention to detail in the mixing and layering is a testament to Lewman’s growth as a producer and songwriter, as well as his commitment to pushing creative boundaries.
Tracks like “Army Ant” and “Cumulonimbus Waltz” further showcase Stratafield’s ability to blend genres, moving between upbeat, rhythmic electronica and contemplative, downtempo moments. These compositions demonstrate a deep understanding of both texture and space; how each sound can interact with others to create a cohesive whole. The interplay between the acoustic guitar and electronics often feels like a conversation between two opposing forces, with Lewman’s guitar providing a sense of continuity while the electronic elements explore new sonic dimensions. The diversity of the album’s tracks, from the intricate rhythms of “Uptake Inhibitor” to the airy atmospherics of “Window Seat,” shows the breadth of Stratafield’s musical influences and his desire to explore different emotional and sonic landscapes.
What makes “Sympathetic Waveforms” stand out as an album is its unwavering commitment to innovation within the confines of a deeply personal creative vision. Lewman’s musical approach is characterized by a sense of spontaneity and freedom, allowing the “Stratafield muse” to dictate the compositions rather than adhering to any pre-defined genre. While the album could be described as an acoustic-electronica or folktronica release, it resists easy classification, instead offering an experience that feels fresh and uncharted. It’s clear that Lewman is not interested in fitting into existing musical categories but he is building his own space within the sonic landscape, one that combines the intimacy of acoustic folk with the futuristic pulse of electronic music.
The final tracks, including alternate versions like “Secret Room (Electronica Version)” and “Window Seat (De-Mix),” offer a deeper dive into Stratafield’s remix culture, providing new perspectives on the themes and textures introduced earlier in the album. These remixes allow the listener to hear the tracks in a different light, emphasizing the modular, ever-evolving nature of Stratafield’s music. By the time the last note fades, it’s clear that “Sympathetic Waveforms” is a sonic journey that takes you through a landscape of emotion, innovation, and exploration. With this release, Stratafield has firmly established itself as an artist unafraid to blur the lines between genres and take risks in the name of creative expression.
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