As One Who Listens To The Rain: A Sonic Journey Through Folk, Field Recordings, and Fragile Beauty
Released in 2017 by UK-based label Willowhayne Records, As One Who Listens To The Rain is the brainchild of Trip, Trip, Trip—an ensemble that blends folk traditions with contemporary classical sensibilities. This album doesn’t just sit comfortably within its genres; it stretches them, folding in field recordings and world influences to create something deeply evocative yet hard to pin down. It’s not perfect, but maybe that’s the point.
The record opens with “Amanece (Dawn),” a track that feels like waking up under an unfamiliar sky. There’s this gentle hum of nature layered beneath sparse instrumentation—a guitar here, some strings there—that makes you feel like you're stepping into someone else's dream. You don’t need to speak Spanish to get what they’re going for; it’s all in the mood. For me, this track sticks because it sets the tone so perfectly. It’s quiet without being boring, intricate without trying too hard. By the time the birdsong kicks in halfway through, you’ll either be fully immersed or wondering if you accidentally left your window open.
Another standout is “… … … (Rainforest Sounds).” Yes, the title is literally three dots followed by parentheses explaining exactly what it is. And yeah, it might sound pretentious at first glance. But listen closely—this isn’t just filler noise meant to make you feel cultured. These sounds are raw, unpolished, almost jarring against the more composed tracks around them. It’s like stumbling upon a hidden corner of the jungle while wandering through a museum exhibit. That contrast between chaos and control? Stunning.
What ties everything together is Camillo Giraldo Angel’s production work—he recorded, mixed, and mastered the whole thing—and Carmen Gil Vrolijk’s design and photography, which give the album a cohesive visual identity. Honestly, it’s rare to see such attention to detail across both audio and visuals these days. Kudos to them.
But let’s talk about why this album lingers after the final note fades. Maybe it’s how “Raya (Stingray)” sneaks up on you with its haunting melody, or how “Variaciones Sobre Un Tema de Mi Vecino Alado” takes flight with fluttery motifs that mimic bird wings. Or maybe it’s just the way the rainforest sounds loop back in your mind hours later, reminding you of places you’ve never been but somehow recognize.
Here’s the kicker: despite its ambition, As One Who Listens To The Rain isn’t for everyone. Some listeners will find it overly introspective, even indulgent. Others might struggle to connect with the lack of conventional song structures. But if you lean into its quirks and let yourself wander alongside it, you’ll discover moments of startling beauty.
Final thought? Listening to this album feels like flipping through an old photo album where half the pictures are missing—you have to fill in the gaps yourself. And honestly, that’s kinda refreshing.
