Meditations, Vol. 4 is the new instrumental compilation from award-winning duo Salt of the Sound. The album includes guest appearances from a host of eminent Christian ambient music artists, including Dear Gravity, Simon Wester and Jameson Nathan Jones, and features a blend of reflective atmospheric sounds, driving electronic elements and swashes of ethereal synths and organic instruments. They say; “Our hope and prayer is that Meditations, Vol. 4 will provide moments of peace and stillness in and amongst everything that is going on in the world right now.” The question for this seasoned reviewer was how to describe those sounds to you, the reader? Well, let me try with the first track, “Distant Light.” Around the simple piano notes, comes a sound that, yes, I could imagine a light stream/force coming closer. “Wanderer” comprises of more ambient sounds, providing a backdrop for an occasional solo phrase. What did I feel from these opening tracks? I’m not sure that I was meditating, but I certainly felt them as a calming and relaxing source. “Peace in the Storm” is the longest track. Here, the sounds seem to swirl from side to side, over the top of quieter piano notes. If you like your music loud and heavy, then this album isn’t for you. However, I can’t recommend this release highly enough, for those who enjoy or need a little calm in their life. The soothing sounds, for me, were just what the doctor ordered. 10/10.
Never for Nothing 