Shoal - Terugblik (2023)

The Something Something proudly presents the new album, Terugblik by Shoal, the Utrecht-based Dutch producer, Kenny Keefel. Terugblik, Dutch for “retrospect”, is a contemplative compilation of seven reworked tracks from live performances by the multidisciplinary artist. Yet, despite spanning several years, Shoal’s musical voice shines through each piece like an incandescent red-thread of euphoric melancholy. Like a sad goodbye follow by a beautiful “welcome home”. In a crowded field of ambient and modern new-age music, Terugblik stands out with its organic evolution spanning across its run time. The tracks showcase an artist whose equally refined and vaporous.

Album opener “Drowning Guitar” swells like an underwater alien breath, leading into the repetitive arpeggio of “Continue Walking Backwards”. Album middle ringers “Tilde” and “Iterations” are the most rhythmically straightforward, prime for afternoon opening sets. Album stand-out “Digital Swamp” is an amalgamation of lush,!staccato, eraticness, that breaths with the uniqueness of The Netherlands blossoming modern electronic music scene. Penultimate track “MO-VI” is the album’s moodiest endeavor, suited for gloomy ambient sessions that Shoal’s live work was born from, the ISOTOOP Sunday Ambient sessions. Album closer “Loose Ends” is a cinematic arpeggiating beauty that erupts into pure relieving bliss.

Terugblik is a retrospective calling card for Shoal, presenting the producer’s ranging skills and unique musical personality. It calls your attention not with a scream but with an enticing glance, and intrigues the listener into calmness. The album has been premiered at Amsterdam arts festival Fiber, in collaboration with visual artist Orah. Who reworked the show into the artwork of Terugblik.