John Also Bennett – Ston Elaió̱na: Electroacoustic Reflections from the Olive Grove – Frequency State
Ston Elaió̱na, the title track from John Also Bennett’s latest album on Shelter Press, offers a rich and meditative listening experience. Bass flute and Yamaha DX7ii are the key instruments here, merging to form a slowly evolving, electroacoustic soundscape. A sense of calm pervades, but there’s detail in the layering: drifting synth tones and deep, expressive flute lines are supported by subtle harmonic shifts and the occasional appearance of electronic piano textures.
Bennett’s background in classical flute and his roots in experimental music combine here in an intimate composition that feels both grounded and exploratory. There’s a gentle interplay between the acoustic and electronic elements, with the melody of the flute providing a consistent emotional thread.
The track sets the tone for the rest of the album Στον Ελαιώνα / Ston Elaió̱na, which reflects on Bennett’s time in Greece and the quiet moments spent between his apartment and the olive grove referenced in the title. The production leans into a minimalist approach, focused more on subtle gesture and harmonic colour than dense arrangement. It’s a sound that suits Bennett’s broader catalogue, which includes releases on Shelter Press, Kranky, Seance Centre, and his own Editions Basilic.
With Ston Elaió̱na, Bennett returns to a more introspective mode after his recent, outward-facing projects. The track feels personal and immersive, offering a meditative listening experience that invites repeat exploration.
