Observation of Transcendence is the second album from the San Francisco-based ambient project Celestial Trails. Drawing inspiration from the vast Pacific Ocean and its serene surroundings, the album encapsulates the essence of a peaceful, sunlit day by the ocean.

Taner Torun blends lush synthesizers, drones, and subtle harmonic progressions with field recordings. The compositions combine analog synthesizers with various instruments and employ electroacoustic techniques to create rich, layered soundscapes. Field recordings, a crucial element of the album, were captured in California and the Hawaiian Islands, with locations such as Morro Bay, Santa Cruz, and O‘ahu enhancing the natural texture of the sound.

Over the past few years, Taner has immersed himself in Japanese ambient music, drawing inspiration from Kankyo Ongaku, a genre that emerged in the 1980s. Translating to “environment music,” this style was designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings, creating a calm and unobtrusive atmosphere. The album pays homage to the influential figures of the genre, including Hiroshi Yoshimura, Takashi Kokubo, Haruomi Hosono, and Kenichiro Isoda.

Observation of Transcendence is an invitation to experience calming waves, gentle breezes, and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, along with its surrounding ecosystems, through textured soundscapes.