Pete International Airport – Brave New World
“It Felt Like the End of the World,” the latest offering from Peter G. Holmström (Dandy Warhols) under his Pete International Airport moniker, is a musical journey that takes the listener into a realm where post-punk, electronica, and experimental sounds collide. With 11 tracks that expertly balance these diverse elements, the album showcases Holmström’s prowess as a musician and producer, offering an entrancing and atmospheric experience. Holmström’s inspiration for the album is evident from the outset, drawing from The Cure’s “Fascination Street,” and this influence can be heard in the album’s rich and meticulously crafted sonic landscape. “It Felt Like the End of the World” stands as a testament to the artist’s appreciation for the intricate details and sonic density of his musical predecessors. The album’s creative process, which typically starts with an acoustic guitar and evolves through layers of beats, bass lines, melodies, and arpeggios, results in a dreamy musical mosaic. The songs feel like living, breathing entities, each with its unique character and sonic palette. The inclusion of various vocalists on the album, including Rachel Goswell of Slowdive and Mojave 3 on ‘Tic Tac’ and Dion Lunadon of The D4 and A Place To Bury Strangers on ‘Commercial Eyez,’ adds depth and diversity to the album’s soundscape. The album’s neo-psychedelic and ethereal flavor sets it apart from the mainstream, immersing the listener in a hypnotic world of sound. Each track feels like a glimpse into a different dimension, with layers of instruments and electronic elements weaving together to create an otherworldly atmosphere. The ethereal quality of the music carries a dreamlike quality, evoking emotions and thoughts that may be hard to put into words. “It Felt Like the End of the World” is an album that invites listeners to explore its depths and intricacies, offering a sonic journey that takes them on a unique and unpredictable path.
Photo Credit: photo by Mary Martley
Brave New World
“Brave New World,” a standout track on Peter G. Holmström’s album “It Felt Like the End of the World,” is a tribute to The Cure’s sound, infused with psychedelic elements that harken back to the 1960s, while offering a contemporary twist reminiscent of bands like Air and the structural complexity of The Beatles. With Jasun Adams (Sun Atoms, The Upside Down) as a guest collaborator, this song takes the listener on a captivating and trippy sonic journey.
The track opens with an acoustic backdrop, creating a semi-acoustic environment that immediately sets a dreamy and introspective tone. What makes “Brave New World” particularly intriguing is the combination of nostalgic 1960s psychedelic influences with modern electronic elements. This fusion creates a sense of timelessness and innovation, drawing on the best of both eras. The vocal delivery, drawing comparisons to bands like Air, adds an ethereal and hypnotic quality to the track. It’s as if the listener is transported to an alternate dimension, where the past and present seamlessly intertwine.
The song’s structure, reminiscent of the Beatles’ more experimental and adventurous tracks, adds layers of complexity and depth. The arrangements, at once familiar and fresh, keep the listener engaged throughout the song’s duration. Holmström and Adams demonstrate their artistic prowess, navigating through intricate musical passages with a sense of purpose and fluidity.
The electronic elements interwoven with the acoustic foundation provide a trippy and otherworldly feel to “Brave New World.” This marriage of seemingly disparate elements results in a sonic landscape that is both intriguing and, at times, disorienting in the best possible way. It challenges conventional musical boundaries and invites the listener to explore uncharted sonic territories.
https://peteinternationalairport.bandcamp.com/album/tic-tac
It Felt Like the End of the World – Album by Pete International Airport | Spotify
