CELESTIAL — I Can Hear The Grass Grow

Celestial – I Can Hear The Grass Grow arrives on Ecstatic as catalogue ELP088, a 12-inch vinyl that drifts between ambient textures, pop-inflected beats and folk-rooted rhythms. The duo’s latest outing continues their penchant for acoustic and electric guitar interplay, layered with harmonium and synth tapestries, while the green-hued record hints at the organic mood that pervades the eight-part suite. Although the label’s broader output is not detailed here, the release follows Celestial’s earlier work on Ecstatic, notably the kosmische-leaning ‘I Had Too Much to Dream Last Night’ (2021) and the lysergic ambience of ‘Listen to the Sky’. In this new set the pair turn toward a more earthbound lyricism, offering a series of shimmering melodic motifs that balance delicate backdrops with a gentle narrative thread. Side A opens with “The Endless Stair”, a courtly flamenco-tinged lick that flickers under a restrained reverb, evoking a dimly lit basement where interlocking harmonies unfold. The piece sits between John Fahey’s raga-inspired Americana and Vini Reilly’s rain-soaked northern blues, its emotional pulse evident in every note. “Skylark” follows, sustaining the airy ambience while extending the melodic thread introduced earlier, its pop-beat undercurrent providing a subtle lift. The title track, “I Can Hear The Grass Grow”, deepens the pastoral mood, allowing the guitar-driven narrative to breathe within a spacious, synth-laden frame. Closing side A, “Song For The Rainy Season”, brings the set to a contemplative hush, its analog textures recalling Harmonia’s pastoral elegance and offering a moment of quiet reflection. Side B begins with “Sweet Sleep, Angel Mild”, a swaying composition where Vini Reilly’s influence surfaces most clearly; the central motif lingers long after the track ends, inviting a gentle descent into the record’s second half. “Mermaid Boulevard” introduces a cameo from label-mate Romance, whose back-masked electronics add a mysterious sheen, while the low-slung Ry Cooder-style guitar and bass anchor the piece in a grounded groove. “House Without Windows” expands the sonic palette, maintaining the record’s cohesive ambience while hinting at a slightly more expansive structure. The final cut, “Mercy, Pity, Peace”, offers a brief, two-minute coda that resolves the album’s emotional arc with a melancholic kiss-off, sealing the journey with understated grace. Within Celestial’s evolving catalogue, this release marks a return to more tangible, acoustic storytelling after their recent explorations of kosmische and psychedelic soundscapes. The blend of folk-derived guitar work with ambient synth layers situates the record comfortably within contemporary underground circles that value both melodic depth and textural nuance. Its focus on melodic wit and restrained production aligns with listeners who appreciate music that invites imagination without dictating it. For DJs, the record provides a suite of tracks that can be woven into late-night or sunrise sets. “The Endless Stair” and “Skylark” work as atmospheric openers, setting a reflective tone, while “I Can Hear The Grass Grow” and “Song For The Rainy Season” serve as smooth transitions into more melodic territory. On the flip side, “Sweet Sleep, Angel Mild” and “Mermaid Boulevard” offer gentle peaks suitable for winding down a set, and the brief “Mercy, Pity, Peace” can act as a tasteful outro or a subtle interlude. The release is pressed as a 12-inch vinyl, presented in a green hue that mirrors the record’s naturalistic themes. The format invites collectors to experience the tactile warmth of the grooves, while the visual cue of the green vinyl underscores the album’s connection to organic growth and serene landscapes. Celestial – I Can Hear The Grass Grow, Ecstatic, catalogue ELP088, 12-inch vinyl, eight tracks. Tracklist: A1. Celestial – The Endless Stair 6' 07 A2. Celestial – Skylark 5' 23 A3. Celestial – I Can Hear The Grass Grow 4' 00 A4. Celestial – Song For The Rainy Season 3' 43 B1. Celestial – Sweet Sleep, Angel Mild 5' 35 B2. Celestial – Mermaid Boulevard 5' 02 B3. Celestial – House Without Windows 5' 51 B4. Celestial – Mercy, Pity, Peace 2' 05