Reviews 02-26-2026

Music Reviews 

 

Alan Lidden






The North Coast
by Alan Lidden

 

 

A Review of The North Coast by Alan Lidden aka Daniel Land

It is a rare feat when an artist can coax such a vast, ethereal spectrum of sound from a single instrument, yet Alan Lidden achieves exactly that on his latest long-form exploration, The North Coast. Composed of a single 59-minute track, the album is a masterclass in guitar-based ambient texture, transforming the familiar strings of a guitar into a shimmering, oceanic expanse. Unlike the pressurized, subterranean chill of Craig Padilla’s Vostok, Lidden’s work offers a lighter, more translucent immersion. It is a journey that feels less like being buried in ice and more like floating effortlessly in the weightless embrace of the sea, where the boundaries between water and sky begin to dissolve. 

Throughout the nearly hour-long voyage, there is a distinct sense of "Sirens calling" from the depths. At various points, wordless voices seem to echo within the drift—choruses of light that rise for a fleeting moment before slipping back into the sonic tide. These spectral vocal textures, though likely created through masterful manipulation of guitar effects and reverb, add a deeply human, almost spiritual dimension to the work. It is a peaceful, uninterrupted stream of sound that provides very little distraction for the mind, allowing the listener to remain in a state of suspension, lifted off the ground by the airy, lifting quality of the drones. 

 

The journey is remarkably smooth, though a sharp edit at the 35:38 mark provides a momentary flicker of awareness in an otherwise seamless stream. Whether intentional or a byproduct of the recording’s vast scale, it is a minor ripple in a vast ocean. Ultimately, The North Coast succeeds in its mission to expose the listener to a broader, global perspective of ambient music. By moving away from America-centric structures and leaning into the "Art House" spectral traditions of the UK, Lidden has created a sanctuary of sound that honors the ancient power of the water and the quiet brilliance of the guitar.

Reviewed by Michael Foster for Ambient Visions

Support the Vision: If the movements of The North Coast resonate with you, consider purchasing the album directly from the artist. By choosing to buy rather than stream, you ensure that creators like Alan Lidden can continue to produce the high-caliber, visionary music that defines the ambient community. Your support keeps the independent music scene thriving. Visit Alan Lidden's site to add this masterful work to your permanent collection.

Tracklist:

1. The North Coast (59:17)