Born and raised in rural upstate New York, Christopher Morin first cut his teeth as a musician within the vibrant but underground music scenes anchoring cities such as Albany. His relocation to live more proximate to nature within the high-desert climate saw Morin pick up endless inspiration from the surrounding vistas.
When not recording or touring as The Sound of Mountains, Morin continues to be an active composer of film and television scores. He has a bachelor's degree in psychology that informs his composition methods based on emotional and thematic storytelling through non-verbal musical languages. To Morin, melody and atmosphere are more than sonic experiences; they are times for introspection and healing that transcend cultures and languages. It is this holistic view of the purpose of music that drives his continued artistic development.
In 2016, he made the huge leap to Southern California, which planted the seeds for what would become his album, The Sound of Mountains. Building upon the incredible level of critical acclaim when released, September 19, 2024, saw Christopher Morin's "The Sound of Mountains" materialize from silence: a tour de force demonstration of his talents as a composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist. Having recorded himself in home and professional studios, Morin takes care of the lion's share of instrumentation, including guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards.
Musicianship and production values are remarkably clear from the get-go on this album. The opening track "Stretch Out Your Hand" greets the listener with whispered guitar accompaniment and sets the tone for a relaxed, calming atmosphere. Strings and keyboards are layered to swell the arrangement to magnificent heights before hushing back down in a masterful dynamic arc. Individual tracks vary wildly in mood and style while retaining a firm stylistic coherence. Upbeat, guitar-driven pieces like "Wake Up, You Living Gateways!" drive with explosive alt-rock energy. Meanwhile, "Sun in the Water" cultivates an ambient beauty, evoking great open spaces with its luminescent electronics and atmospherics.
The album is like a sonic novel, weaving together disparate threads into a cohesive tale. Though purely instrumental, the moods and textures tell stories that invite introspection on the part of any listener.
Technically, Morin's skills are impressive in both composition and a plethora of instruments. Intricate, exquisitely structured pieces unfold with precision, yet organically. Production values stay immaculate whether unveiling an explosive drum-and-guitar suite or a delicate solo acoustic piece. Of particular note, violinist Jahna Stanton and violist Maile Hutchinson bring stirring string arrangements to some tracks, perfectly integrated into the fabric.
When the album is listened to repeatedly, it becomes obvious that even more layers and subtleties exist in the rich soundscapes. This progressive unraveling will make every listening experience interestingly different, due to some discoveries each time. "The Sound of Mountains" is that rare album where emotional resonance finds its voice along with respect for the artistry behind it.
"The Sound of Mountains" truly left a deep impact on me since the very first listening. I just love instrumental music; it felt like Morin's compositions spoke to my soul. One can feel the natural inspiration in every rise and change of melody, in every tempo shift and texture. So, to say that "The Sound of Mountains" will be in my regular streaming rotation for many years to come is an understatement-and it should be in yours, too. Make sure to add it to your favorite streaming platform.