Semele’s Tryst by Enchanted Forest

Electronic music becomes so much more immediate when the sound design feels tactile, when we sense a texture so vivid that we can imagine ourselves reaching out and touching everything we hear. Philadelphia’s Enchanted Forest pulls this off spectacularly well on their new record Semele’s Tryst, an experiment in drum and bass, chiptune, and a variety of other underground electronic subgenres that pulls the most organic sounds out of each style. Musically, these elements fit into the picture as percussion, melody, or harmony, but the interaction of so many unique and memorable sounds leads to a musical whole that constantly gives your mind something to grab onto. Expert sound design of this caliber means hours getting poured into each instrument, tirelessly ensuring that everything works well together and stands alone as a sonic object. As a work of pure beauty, Semele’s Tryst enriches us, drawing in our gaze and rewarding us with layer upon layer of master craftsmanship, reminding us of the sweetest fruits of creativity.