Review By Halina
Allen Whitman, best known for his role as bassist with legendary guitarist Joe Satriani and as the co-founder of the influential surf-rock band The Mermen, takes a profound step into the world of ambient soundscapes with his fourth release, The Eternal City. Released digitally on November 1, 2024, through Squeaky Studios, this album is a captivating travel log through the soul of Rome. Whitman expertly blends acoustic guitar-driven sonic environments with samples and synths, creating a unique auditory journey that mirrors the historic and modern complexity of Italy’s iconic capital.
The album opens with the title track, “The Eternal City,” setting a reflective tone. Whitman uses a mix of ambient textures and layered acoustic guitar, evoking the grandeur and history of Rome. The track establishes a sense of both awe and reverence, transporting the listener into the heart of the city with its sweeping arrangements and ambient sounds that subtly echo the pulse of the Italian streets.
“Obsidian Streets and Marble Halls” continues the thematic exploration with its minimalist yet striking composition. The deep, resonant tones paired with field recordings from Whitman’s recent travels to Rome create a vivid sonic picture of the city’s contrasts—the ancient, stone-clad structures and the modern life that courses through them. It’s a track that captures Rome’s multifaceted nature, blending antiquity with the vibrancy of contemporary movement.
The next track, “Astonished At The Rain,” introduces a more contemplative moment, with gentle guitar lines weaving through ambient soundscapes. Whitman crafts a space where the rain becomes not just a sound, but an emotional trigger, reflecting the city’s ever-changing weather as a metaphor for the shifting cultural landscape. The ethereal nature of the track makes it a perfect pause in the album’s flow, offering listeners a moment of introspection before diving back into the pulse of the city.
“The Weight of Tradition” offers a more propulsive rhythm, incorporating richer layers of synths and samples that build in intensity. This track encapsulates the tension between Rome’s deep-rooted traditions and the ever-encroaching modernity that pervades its streets. Whitman’s use of sonic textures here feels almost cinematic, with every note mirroring the city’s continuous struggle to balance the old and the new.
On “The River,” Whitman conjures the image of the Tiber River winding through the city, its presence central to Rome’s identity. The flowing, tranquil sounds of the track are accompanied by gentle, percussive guitar that mimics the constant flow of water. It’s an evocative piece that underscores the river’s symbolic significance in Roman life, representing both the passage of time and the enduring resilience of the city.
The track “The Mouth of Truth” adds a layer of mystery and intrigue, with darker tones and slightly more dissonant elements that reflect the legend and symbolism surrounding this famous Roman monument. Whitman uses subtle tension to create a palpable sense of the unknown, allowing the listener to feel the weight of the city’s myths and secrets.
The closing track, “A Culture Devoted to Art Is Doomed, But What Other Way Is There To Live?” encapsulates the core theme of the album. With a title that echoes a melancholic but resigned truth about Rome’s commitment to art, Whitman ties together the album’s journey with a sense of both grandeur and inevitable decay. The composition, while somber, is imbued with a beauty that feels uniquely Roman—impermanent yet eternal, tragic yet uplifting.
The Eternal City is a masterclass in ambient composition, expertly crafted by Allen Whitman. His ability to blend field recordings, acoustic guitar, and electronic elements creates a sonic reflection of Rome’s contradictions—ancient yet modern, peaceful yet dynamic. The album is not just a travel log, but an emotional and auditory journey through one of the world’s most storied cities, perfectly capturing the spirit of Rome while giving listeners an immersive, contemplative experience. For fans of ambient, experimental, and travel-inspired music, The Eternal City is a must-listen.
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