Ant, a name well-known in the underground hip-hop scene as part of the iconic duo Atmosphere, steps into the spotlight with his solo instrumental project, Collection of Sounds, Vol. 1. As its title suggests, this album is a sonic journey through a diverse landscape of beats, sounds, and textures. Throughout the album he crafts a unique narrative through the music, demonstrating his talent as a producer without the need for vocal accompaniment.

Collection of Sounds, Vol. 1 doesn’t rely on lyrics to convey its message but rather invites listeners to interpret each track based on mood, rhythm, and ambiance. Throughout the album, Ant blends elements of hip-hop, jazz, soul, and even electronic influences, creating a cinematic feel that engages the listener’s imagination. Tracks like “Collection of Sounds Start” and “I Was Always a Collector” bring a dreamy, and ethereal quality. It’s a great start to the album with the dreamy ambiance. It transports listeners to a different world.

One of the album’s strengths lies in its minimalistic approach. Ant isn’t one to overload a track with unnecessary elements. The beats may seem simple on first listen, but closer inspection reveals intricate details in the instrumentation. A testament to this is one of the standout pieces on the album, “This Happened,” where Ant includes hypnotic drums.  It’s in these moments that Ant’s versatility as a producer truly shines, proving that he’s capable of traversing genre boundaries while still maintaining his signature sound.

Collection of Sounds, Vol. 1 is a refreshing instrumental project that allows Ant to experiment and showcase his skills as a standalone producer. It’s not just a collection of beats, but rather an auditory journey that moves through different moods and emotions, creating a cohesive listening experience. For fans of Ant’s work, this album provides a deeper understanding of the man behind the boards, while for newcomers, it offers a meditative and immersive escape into the world of instrumental hip-hop.

Though this album may not appeal to those who crave lyric-driven hip-hop, it stands as a testament to Ant’s mastery of production and his ability to evoke storytelling through sound alone. Collection of Sounds, Vol. 1 is for anyone who appreciates intricate, well-crafted beats and the art of instrumental composition.