tttc’s new album “Sum / mer / cury” marks an intriguing evolution from his previous work. While the last album was a playground of wild experimentation, this latest offering retains that adventurous spirit but with a decidedly chill twist. The result is a collection of tracks that feel calm, spacey, and infused with ambient tones that invite listeners into a soothing, otherworldly experience.
In the artist’s own words: “In Sum / mer / cury, I tried to tell a story about a boy who hears the weird sounds from a lively planet (water signs). The signals were glitchy at the beginning, sounding cute and simple when he was still on earth. Then he went to space to find those signals, and the sounds became more clear and epic (most epic in the last two tracks). My friends joined the 5th track too (just random synth playing) – it was fun to do something with them.”
The album opens with “Outer Signals,” a track that sets the mood with its watery, warbly sounds. It feels like floating in space, guided by distant signals. This track perfectly captures the feeling of starting an interstellar journey, making you imagine traveling through stars and distant planets. It’s a beautiful beginning that invites listeners to explore the rest of the album and discover the unknown wonders that lies ahead.
Following this, “SpaceOS” brings a playful energy with its computer-like, robotic alien sounds. These sounds create an image of artistic organisms painting themselves across the vast canvas of space, adding color and life to the cosmic scene. The track is filled with lively, imaginative tones that make you feel like you’re witnessing a unique, intergalactic art show. Each note and rhythm seems to contribute to a larger picture, showcasing the creativity and whimsy of these otherworldly beings as they move and create in the boundless expanse of the universe.
“From Earth, To my Mercurians” leans into the playful theme established earlier, featuring muted xylophone notes that bounce with a lighthearted, joyful rhythm. The track creates a feel-good, almost euphoric atmosphere that invites you to bask in its cheerful vibes. This buoyant energy is carried forward into the next track, “r/GoneWildSpacey.” Here, the music takes on a whimsical charm, reminiscent of a Christmas carol reimagined with spacey effects and synths. The combination of festive melodies and futuristic sounds adds a unique, enchanting quality to the album, making it feel both nostalgic and forward-thinking at the same time. The playful, celebratory spirit of these tracks contributes to the album’s overall sense of wonder and exploration.
The tone shifts with “Satellite,” a track that introduces a darker, new wave synth sound, signaling a departure from the playful themes of the earlier songs. The song is driven by steady, rhythmic drum beats and layered with atmospheric background noises, which together create a broad, expansive soundscape that feels both intriguing and immersive. The spacey ambiance evokes a sense of vast, uncharted territories in the cosmos. Adding to this complexity, the track incorporates chaotic jazz elements that stand in stark contrast to the album’s more relaxed pieces. This juxtaposition not only adds depth and variety to the overall listening experience but also highlights tttc’s ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles and moods.
One of the standout tracks, “pods of the mothership,” is a calming and nostalgic piece featuring plucked synths and a muted organ playing a gentle melody. This soothing moment serves as a prelude to the final two tracks. “A Mercurian Pie” revisits the album’s established themes, but with a darker, more intense twist, making it suitable as a soundtrack for a suspenseful movie. “Mercury Queen” concludes the album with a horror-themed soundscape that would be perfect for a space and time travel film. The ambient and artistic elements in this track are truly remarkable.
“Sum / mer / cury” is a voyage through space, emotions, and imagination. tttc has created an album that mixes playful melodies, calming sounds, and intriguing sound. Each track feels like a new chapter in an adventure that is both innovative and deeply enjoyable. This album is a balanced blend of experimentation and tranquility, making it a rewarding listen for fans of ambient and experimental music. It’s an album that invites exploration and reflection, revealing new layers with each playthrough.
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About the Author
Al Sangga is a music curator and writer. An annoying guy! He’s been writing music blogs since 2011. Although he has a degree in Management, he decided not to go the usual office job route. Instead, he followed his heart and chose a different path that revolves around his love for music.
