Album Review: Parallelism by The Science Teacher
Released in 2007 under Dynamophone Records, Parallelism is an intriguing dive into the ambient and leftfield corners of electronic music. Hailing from the US, The Science Teacher—essentially Ryan Coseboom—crafts a soundscape that feels both cerebral and deeply atmospheric. With design credits to Curium and all musical heavy lifting done by Coseboom himself, this album stands out as a quiet triumph for fans of experimental electronica.
The record opens with "Low Countries," a track that instantly grabs your attention without being loud about it. It layers soft synths over muted beats, creating something akin to wandering through foggy streets at dawn. You don't just hear this song; you feel it. Its pacing gives off a sense of calm unease, like there’s beauty lurking beneath its restrained surface but also a hint of mystery you can’t quite unravel. This balance makes “Low Countries” unforgettable—it sticks with you long after the final note fades.
Another standout is “On A Haiku Beach.” True to its name, the piece evokes imagery of serene coastlines paired with fleeting moments of introspection. The textures here are lush yet minimalistic, allowing each sound to breathe. There’s a point midway where a delicate melody emerges, almost shyly, before dissolving back into the ether. It’s these subtle shifts that make the track so memorable—it doesn’t demand your focus but earns it anyway.
While not every moment on Parallelism hits the same heights (and honestly, some sections drift a bit too far into background territory), the overall cohesion of the album keeps things engaging. Tracks like "Factory Flowers" round out the experience with industrial-tinged vibes, adding contrast to the more ethereal cuts.
In hindsight, what strikes me most about Parallelism isn’t just its sonic craftsmanship—it’s how unassuming yet impactful it feels. Listening to it now, years later, it’s kinda wild how timeless it seems. Like, if someone told me this was made last week, I’d believe them. Maybe that’s the magic of good ambient music: it doesn’t age because it never really belonged to any specific time. Or maybe I’m just overthinking it. Either way, give this one a spin if you’re into music that lets you zone out while still keeping you guessing.
