New Age: Kai Engel - Chapter One / Cold (2015)

90 / 100

From serene snowfalls to blizzards and thawing ice, Kai Engel crafts an immersive soundtrack for the cold months.

Kai Engel and Free Music Archive played a major role in shaping my taste for cinematic and soundtrack music, which initially stemmed from a post-rock influence. And Chapter One / Cold is living proof—even if it had been forgotten for a while.

Chapter One / Cold is the first in Engel's seasonal and weather-themed album series, consisting of nine tracks. “Snowfall,” as the intro, acts as a quiet yet chilly introduction. “December,” “January,” and “February” serve as delicate piano interludes marking the passage of wintertime—tracks I simply can’t resist. Simply cinematic essentials.

Meanwhile, “Blizzard (PON I)” unleashes an epic snowstorm, followed by “Snowmen” with high-pitched piano melodies that feel like children building snowmen after the storm has passed. Although winter is often associated with holidays, “Morbid Imagination” reminds us of its darker, more mysterious side. The post-rock-influenced “Thaw” closes the album like a perfect movie ending. But the bonus track “Nothing” leaves me puzzled—it fits its title a little too well, making it feel like a track that shouldn’t exist, or at least, shouldn’t end the album. A ghost track that only shows up in the depths of winter? Seems like it.

Yes, with cold string sweeps and piano cuts that are undeniably swoon-worthy, this cinematic soundtrack-style album immediately found its place in my favorites playlist.

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