Though we all know him best as the guy from Arcade Fire with the iconic side-part, Richard Reed Parry has proven his versatility through multiple solo records and collaborations outside of his internationally famous indie rock band. 

Last year, Quiet River of Dust Vol. 1 invited listeners into an ambient space with a strong songwriting-oriented core. The sequel – Vol. 2 – brings that layered liminality to new heights. Parry explores such illusive constants as time and the vessels we inhabit. 

Quiet River of Dust Vol. 2 hints at the fluidity of slowly moving water, rippling, flowing and building toward the intensity of a strong current. Varied instrumental tones are subtly and effortlessly layered around repetitive rhythms and melodies, creating a wavelike aura of both escalation and consistency throughout each track.  

Despite this emphasis on atmosphere, the heart of the album is Parry’s poetry. However abstract, each verse clearly follows a core metaphysical theme of absorption, release and acceptance in life’s flowing tides. The result is steady and dreamlike.  

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