Cloud Time

Published: Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 5:00 am

Cloud Time: A Review of Sprague's Latest Album

In her latest release, *Cloud Time*, the artist, Sprague, presents a collection of improvisational music recorded live. The album features Sprague's performance on a polyphonic synthesizer, utilizing a significant delay effect. This setup allows her to essentially "jam" with herself, creating a sense of spontaneity as elements from earlier improvisations reappear unexpectedly.

The music is characterized by its quiet, subtle nature, often described as flitting in the background of the listener's consciousness. Tracks evolve gradually, covering considerable sonic ground within relatively short durations. The album showcases moments of sonic exploration, such as the multiplication of a pitch-bend on one track and the subtle build-up of another to a more intense, growling sound.

The recording style is stark, with the music seemingly captured directly from the instrument itself. This approach, combined with the live setting, results in a deeply solitary listening experience. The absence of crowd noise, applause, or any environmental sounds further emphasizes the isolation of the performance. The album, while drawing inspiration from Japanese philosophical influences, inadvertently evokes the theme of the solitary artist, a concept often associated with the "road warrior" myth.

BNN's Perspective:

While the album's technical execution and the artist's improvisational skills are evident, the lack of engagement with the live environment and the focus on solitude might limit its appeal to a broader audience. The music's quiet nature and introspective quality could be appreciated by those seeking a contemplative listening experience, but it may not resonate with listeners looking for a more dynamic or interactive musical journey.

Keywords: Cloud Time, Sprague, synthesizer, improvisation, live music, album review, electronic music, ambient music, solo performance, music review, polyphonic synth, delay effect, Japanese influences, road warrior, solitary artist

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