Back catalogue: Classical

Review: Kompakt's Pop Ambient 2025 marks 25 years of their signature deep ambient series, embodying a refined sense of tranquility and atmospheric depth. This vinyl release gathers new gems from longtime contributors like Leandro Fresco, Pass Into Silence and Wurden & Schafe, who each bring lush soundscapes that feel like meditative journeys. Triola's inclusion reinforces the continuity of the series, while new compositions like 'Artifacts of Synthese' by Segensklang add fresh, delicate textures. Hendrik Meyer's 'Grun War Die Klamm' stands out with its natural, serene tones, beautifully complementing the collection. For ambient listeners, this anniversary edition presents a thoughtfully curated blend of Kompakt's ambient vision over the years, celebrating a legacy of introspective, lush sound and marking a milestone in the genre.

Review: The Pop Ambient 2025 compilation from Kompakt marks an incredible 25-year journey for the ambient series, blending long-standing contributors with new talent. This year's edition upholds Kompakt's tradition of meditative atmospheres and subtle textures, opening with Leandro Fresco and Thore Pfeiffer's 'Goldwasserfluss'ia fragile, shimmering collaboration that sets the tone for an album both familiar and exploratory. Highlights include Pass Into Silence's 'Mirage', a delicate track that brings back Tetsuo Sakae's stoic precision, and 'Follow Me', a collaboration by Sebastian Mullaert and Tamara Davitashvili, adding a unique, intimate resonance. Max Wurden's 'Circles' captures the series' ethos, with a moving chord progression around the 2:55 markia reminder of why this series remains timeless. Other standout moments come from Sono Kollektiv with Nathalie Brum's 'Periadriatische Naht', where Luis Reich's flugelhorn enriches the ambient soundscape with jazz nuances and Andrew Thomas's 'Sunshine Night'. combining piano with Julia Parr's ethereal vocals. Jorg Burger's meticulous mastering polishes each track, while Veronika Unland's floral artwork provides a fitting visual. The series continues to transcend time, offering moments of reflection that feel unburdened by the rapid pace of modern life. Pop Ambient 2025 is a statement on the power of musical atmosphere, filled with serene landscapes and intricate soundscapes that linger well beyond the final note.