Released on November 8, 2024, Islands by Maps and Diagrams is a plentiful offering, with 14 tracks spanning over an hour and seven minutes. This album serves as a continuation of the December 2023 gift album, Islands (redactions), released by Tim Martin and his Handstitched* label to thank listeners for their support and to announce the new project.
The album opens with the track Hvar—a tribute to the Adriatic island—and takes us through a journey of soundscapes inspired by 14 islands around the world. The first half explores warmer climates, such as the Mediterranean, the Azores, and Indonesia, while the second half of the album leads us into colder climates, passing through England and onward to Northern Europe – Norway, Scotland, and Sweden.
Delicately crafted electroacoustic compositions, subtle textures, and gentle drones interweave with the sounds of the sea, evoking a profound sense of tranquility and spaciousness. As the album progresses, the soundscapes grow colder, darker, and shrouded in mysticism, with meticulously constructed sonic maps reflecting the unique character of northern landscapes.
True to the tradition of the Handstitched* label, Islands was released as a limited edition of 40 CDs, each a handcrafted artistic piece made from recycled maps and materials. These unique items were quickly claimed by devoted fans. For everyone else, the digital edition offers an equally impressive listening experience, showcasing the high quality of sound that brings this sonic journey to life.
