Chamber of Tears

Peaceful, mostly instrumtental miniatures featuring classical guitar, piano, and synth. The gentle textures and sunny melodies evoke childlike wonder. This is LA-based Alejandro Cohen's first record under his own name. (Cohen was also the longtime executive director of the internet radio station Dublab.) RIYL Yasmin Williams, the Durutti Column, Chuck Johnson, Brian Eno, Penguin Cafe Orchestra. Favorites: 3, 4, 5, 6. No words (except for 10), no FCCs.

1. (1:27)—Chimes, flute.
2. (1:39)—Gentle fingerpicked guitar, harmonizing synth.
3. *(2:01)—Slow acoustic guitar, birdsong.
4. *(3:35)—Slow and low guitar, high dreamy synths.
5. *(3:00)—High-pitched guitar picking, synth provides a kind of counterpoint. Slow, stately end.
6. *(2:38)—Mid-tempo, with a gentle samba rhythm on hand percussion.
7. (5:27)—Slow, bouncy rhythm. Cheerful electric piano melodies.
8. (3:09)—Slow, lullaby-like guitar fingerpicking. Big finish.
9. (2:26)—Slow, slightly melancholy guitar, with a grander middle third.
10. (1:43)—The only non-instrumental. Medium-slow guitar, distant and half-spoken vocals.
11. (1:20)—Slow, sweet but sad guitar. Water sounds.
12. (1:54)—More water sounds, a little more high-spirited than the previous song.
13. (1:55)—Mid-tempo guitar strumming and shaker.