A.J. Heath to release debut EP, 'Rise and Fall'

Over the last couple of months I've heard this brilliant EP come together.

The moniker 'A.J. Heath' is the first foray into ambient, instrumental music by Hangout's Adam Heath. The EP is a thoughtful collection of experimental tracks heavily inspired by German-born instrumentalist, Deuter.

'Dad first got me on to Deuter as a way of unwinding',

Rise and Fall undoubtedly has a power in gently unwinding the mind. When discussing how the EP was made, it's role in contrasting the heavily guitar-based projects Heath predominantly plays in becomes apparent:

'It's very different because I'm not a competent keys player, so when I'm making that kind of music I'm really exploring the sounds. The process is not really structured - it's really fiddling around and following different sounds; whereas with guitar I've been playing for so long that it's more about coming up with new ways to use old techniques. I'm conscious of not doing the same old things over and over again. In that sense it was a lot easier to make these songs than it is to write music with guitar.'

It seems as though with Rise and Fall is Heath stretching his legs in another music direction - without the heavy guitars, his style becomes light, sun specked and natural.

One notable aspect of the EP is it's natural unfurling energy, drawing on Heath's natural talent for a slowly drawn out guitar solo. Rise and Fall holds the same tasty suspense, but rather than using fuzz and overdrive to build the sound, the EP uses 'sonic textures' unlocked by synths, light guitar and piano.

Rise and Fall is meditative without being sleepy: Put it on when you need to come back to earth.

The single from the EP 'Ocean' is available now on all digital platforms.

Rise and Fall will be available on all digital platforms on Friday the 20th of October.