Stratafield’s Sympathetic Waveforms is a masterful synthesis of genre and mood, delivering an atmospheric journey through acid jazz, ambient textures, and chillwave grooves. Helmed by Atlanta-based Peter Lewman, a seasoned college radio DJ and musical innovator, the album combines acoustic warmth and electronic precision into a genre-defying soundscape that captivates from the first track to the last.
Peter’s 1957 Gibson acoustic guitar plays a central role, serving as the melodic and harmonic bedrock of many compositions. But it’s the seamless interplay between his acoustic sensibilities and the polished electronic elements contributed by keyboardist and engineer Christian Poole that truly defines the album. Recorded at Meta Music Studios, Sympathetic Waveforms builds on the strengths of Stratafield’s debut while expanding its sonic palette with elevated production and innovative musical textures.
From the opening notes of “Elysian Fields,” the album establishes a hypnotic groove. Stratafield’s approach to rhythm is both intricate and organic, blending syncopated beats with fluid basslines that anchor the tracks. “Army Ant” stands out as a rhythmic tour de force, its layered percussive patterns evoking the frenetic energy of nature’s tiniest creatures. Meanwhile, “Uptake Inhibitor” delivers a tight, driving rhythm that balances its ambient overtones with a propulsive energy reminiscent of early acid jazz pioneers like 9Lazy9.
The basslines throughout the album are nothing short of mesmerizing. Tracks like “Terra Firma” and “The Ripple Effect” feature deep, resonant grooves that add warmth and depth, grounding the ethereal synth layers. This balance between low-end solidity and high-end delicacy underscores the album’s dual acoustic-electronic identity.
Synth work on Sympathetic Waveforms is both bold and nuanced, showcasing Christian Poole’s talent for crafting lush soundscapes. “Cumulonimbus Waltz” is a standout, its airy pads and cascading arpeggios creating the sensation of drifting through a storm cloud. The cinematic quality of this track—and indeed much of the album—feels like a soundtrack to an unmade film, with each note painting vivid imagery.
“Secret Room,” appearing in both its original form and an electronica version, highlights Stratafield’s versatility. The original offers a contemplative, downtempo vibe, while the reimagined version amplifies its electronic elements, transforming it into a pulsating dancefloor gem. This duality speaks to the band’s commitment to pushing boundaries while remaining rooted in their muse’s authenticity.
Atmosphere is the glue that holds Sympathetic Waveforms together. Tracks like “Lovely Ashley” and “Butterfly Stitch” are imbued with an emotional depth that feels both intimate and universal. The former is a tender acoustic-driven piece, while the latter builds a serene, almost meditative ambiance through layered textures and subtle dynamics.
“Window Seat” and its de-mix close the album on a contemplative note, exploring the concept of perspective through contrasting arrangements. The de-mix, in particular, strips the track down to its core elements, offering a raw and poignant conclusion to the album’s sonic journey.
Sympathetic Waveforms is a triumph of musical experimentation and emotional storytelling. Stratafield refuses to be boxed into a single genre, instead embracing the freedom to explore and innovate. The result is an album that feels fresh and timeless, offering something for fans of acid jazz, ambient music, and everything in between.
Peter Lewman and Christian Poole have crafted a sound that is as technically impressive as it is emotionally resonant, inviting listeners to lose themselves in its sympathetic vibrations. This is a record that demands to be heard, a standout release that we’re proud to spotlight on our webzine.