I found Tristan Welch’s music through a mutual friend and immediately was taken with his albums. A consummate sonic story teller with a political edge, Welch holds his positions on his sleeve. This mixture of brilliant compositional instinct and political activism makes for electric listening. Ambient Distress is born of the world of ambience and finesse along side distress and intelligent observations about the world. Residing in the tension is a hopefulness, as guitars weep, textures cling to moaning drones, and swells move through constant beauty.

Limited to 50 copies, this masterpiece of an album should not be underestimated or passed over, particularly by ambient fans or those needed a break in a swirling tornado or distress. Ambient Distress comes out November 20th.