Jim Sutherland's "When Fish Begin to Crawl" is an ambitious and immersive journey through sound, set to release on February 3, 2025, under Besant Hall Records, a part of Air-Edel Records. Clocking in at just over an hour, this 12-track album is a testament to Sutherland's ability to craft intricate and evocative soundscapes.
The album opens with "Deep Time," setting the stage for an exploration that spans the vast and the intimate. Tracks like "Emergence" and "Sea of Bells and Complexity Quickens" showcase Sutherland's knack for blending organic and electronic elements, creating a sense of both familiarity and otherworldliness. "Sunrise Over the Grey Coast" and "Storm Engine" highlight his dynamic range, from serene and meditative to intense and driving.
"Desolation" and "Revelation" delve into darker, more contemplative territories, while "Memory Pool" offers a moment of reflection and introspection. The album's midpoint, "Replenishment," serves as a rejuvenating pause before the momentum builds again with "We Are the Ocean" and "Beacons of Hope." The album concludes with "Criticality," leaving listeners with a sense of resolution and finality.
Throughout "When Fish Begin to Crawl," Jim Sutherland demonstrates his prowess as a sound artist, weaving together layers of texture and rhythm to create a cohesive and captivating listening experience. This album is a must-experience for fans of ambient, electronic, and experimental music, offering a rich and rewarding journey from start to finish.