The Broken Cradle (Eric McLean) is an ambient/electronic artist from Richmond, Virginia who’s been playing piano for over two decades. He uses neoclassical elements to fully realize his vision through sound design.
McLean made music with friends in high school but after graduating took a long break to focus on college and starting a family. Years later, in 2020, The Broken Cradle would be born.
He just released a new full length album titled Post Mortal. I’m already a fan of ambient music, so maybe I’m biased, but this is one of the best records I’ve heard all year. There’s a soothing quality to it that’s not dissimilar to Sigur Rós. Especially the shiny, otherworldly opener, “Eulogy”.
I’ve talked here a few times about sound healing. It’s a concept I’ve really come to believe in and I think The Broken Cradle is a perfect example of that. When I put this album on and just let it play, my anxiety literally melts away.
To me, many times instrumental/ambient music can tell way more of a story than music with words because it forces your imagination to go into overdrive. These songs can be about anything you want, they can look like anything you want.
I recommend having a healthy dose of your favorite plant medicine and giving Post Mortal a listen:
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