Greg Surmacz - Timelines (Part 2) (2021)

Having unveiled the first instalment of the ‘Timelines’ series back in May (and subsequently winning support from Moses Boyd, BBC 6 Music, BBC Introducing and more), Surmacz spent the following months channeling a new clearer consciousness, having benefited from the cathartic effects of releasing records free from the usual stresses that accompany it. On the creation of the record, Greg explains: ‘After I completed Part 1, I felt like I had a clearer idea of what I wanted the project to be and had settled on a sound. It really felt like something worth pursuing further, and I wanted to continue the story. By the time I started Part 2, it was a few months later and the weather had changed. Things felt a bit brighter, a bit more optimistic - as a result, the music came out that way too. The creative process was the same - making demos, listening to them in the park while out walking and running - but the atmosphere was different. I wanted to make something more expansive and relaxed, less frenetic. Hopefully it feels like a development and expansion of my sound, the second act of a wider narrative.’

With the seasons changing from winter to spring, the deep forest (which inspired the record’s creation) is summoned back to life, delivering a promise of optimism, and a glimmer of hope - ending the bleak months spent in lockdown. The resulting body of work is a completely absorbing and enthralling listening experience, Surmacz’s mastery of the bass clarinet and saxophone providing rich organic textures, melding with spacey synths, adding a touch of the avant-garde as bruk-infused drums keep the record driving forwards.