Mirror Phase by Jonas Munk

”Mirror Phase” concludes a trilogy of minimal ambient albums in Munk's own name. These eight compositions, based on guitar and synthesizer loops, marks a return to the warmer sounds Munk is often associated with. Sonic structures that slowly and gradually evolves and changes, like cloud formations in the sky. The title track, ”Mirror Phase”, is Munk's most expansive drone opus so far. It's a carefully arranged piece where sounds that oscillates with the same interval, but at different phases, are continuously added, hence creating shifting patterns throughout the track's nearly 18 minute duration.

Elsewhere, in ”Transition”, multi-layered guitars creates the sonic equivalent of waves gently splashing on the shore. ”At a Distance” creates a haunting, and hypnotic, soundscape by using slightly out-of-tune analog synthesizers, summoning the transcendent krautrock of Popol Vuh. And ”Rise”, as well as the closing track, ”Return to Nowhere”, recalls the glistening sounds of his Manual releases. ”Mirror Phase” might just be Munk's ambient oeuvre reaching its zenith.

The CD edition comes with an extra CD with Jonas Munk's 2021 album, ”Altered Light”, which has previously only been released on digital download and streaming.

Danish musician Jonas Munk has navigated several paths connecting ambient electronic music and psychedelia over the course of his multi-decade career. He first received recognition for his solo work as Manual, which initially combined brittle beats with warm, dreamy melodies. Later, Munk teamed up with Auburn Lull's Jason Kolb to form the cosmic ambient/drone duo Billow Observatory.