One of the most magical recordings you'll hear this year is the first LP by UK-based one-man transcendental-drone band Tuluum Shimmering. Behind this enigmatic moniker is Jake Webster, an artist who has established his own record label, Tuluum Shimmering Records, and developed a unique approach to ambient music that defies easy categorization or geographical placement. The sound of Tuluum Shimmering is like a sort of loop-driven, timeless ethnic music without a region or a tradition. This remarkable achievement—creating music that feels both ancient and placeless—reflects Webster's innovative approach to instrumental composition and his ability to synthesize influences from various global musical traditions without appropriating any specific cultural context. The result is music that feels universally resonant yet distinctly contemporary. All recordings on the LP were made on a 4-track cassette recorder, a technical choice that imbues the music with a warm, analog quality that enhances its timeless character. This lo-fi approach, far from being a limitation, becomes an essential element of the album's aesthetic, creating the kind of intimate, hands-on sound quality that draws listeners into Webster's carefully constructed sonic environments.
Webster's approach involves running "an array of instruments (sampling keyboard, flutes, violin, kalimba, percussion) via a mixer, through a multi-FX pedal into a 30-second looper, and out to an amp." This technical setup enables the creation of complex, layered compositions that build slowly and organically, with each loop contributing to an ever-evolving sonic tapestry. The 30-second limitation imposed by the looper becomes a creative constraint that forces economy of expression while encouraging hypnotic repetition. The album is divided into two distinct yet complementary sides, each featuring its own carefully selected instrumentation. The A side, "Ulau Tau," incorporates homemade bamboo xylophone, homemade flute, acoustic guitar customized with buzz bridge, Roland digital piano, Vietnamese gong, cymbal, and rattle. This combination creates a sonic palette that spans multiple continents and musical traditions, yet coalesces into something entirely unique.
The B side, "Spirit of Sun," features homemade tamboura, various flutes, Roland digital piano, hand drums, vocals, Tibetan singing bowl, snake charmer, rattle, and saxophone. The inclusion of vocals adds a human element to the predominantly instrumental compositions, while the diverse array of wind and percussion instruments creates rich textural possibilities that Webster exploits with considerable skill and sensitivity. Webster's use of homemade instruments deserves particular attention, as it demonstrates his commitment to creating a truly personal musical language. The homemade bamboo xylophone, flute, and tamboura suggest an artist willing to invest time and effort in crafting tools specifically suited to his creative vision. This DIY approach extends beyond mere aesthetic choice, reflecting a deeper philosophical commitment to musical authenticity and self-sufficiency.
The customized acoustic guitar with buzz bridge represents another example of Webster's innovative approach to sound creation. This modification likely creates sympathetic vibrations and extended harmonics that add complexity and interest to what might otherwise be conventional guitar tones, demonstrating his understanding of how small modifications can yield significant sonic results.
The album's visual presentation, featuring artwork by Jake Webster himself, completes the project's handmade aesthetic. This attention to visual detail suggests an artist concerned with every aspect of the listener's experience, from the initial visual encounter through the final fade-out. The self-created artwork reinforces the album's themes of personal expression and cultural synthesis.
