Savor Soft Realms EP with 9 Theory and Torii Wolf, released April 4th on Gravitas Recordings. With the opening note of Soft Realms, listeners portal into a seductively comfortable sonic dimension that is difficult to leave upon its conclusion. The journey within its tracks pulls us deeper, phasing between dreamy synth realms and crisp drum rhythms. The expertly crafted grooves are in sync with the human heartbeat. Surreal, vast atmospheric tones overlayed in earth-bound textures permeate every measure. Hypnotic Vocals by Torii Wolf captivate and carry us from one phrase to the next in suspense and deliver us into expertly layered moments of inspired production from 9 Theory.
9 Theory‘s sound design melds airy soundscapes with clean drum grooves effortlessly.
Torii Wolf‘s captivating voice draws us closer to home with each note.
Nostalgia saturates this body of work. The chord progressions and intentional interplay of dissonance and harmonic resolve, unearth fluid emotions buried under years of hardening and crystallization. Decidedly, this EP is a truly unique creation. The album stands out amongst modern styles that predominate platforms and live events. 9 Theory and Torii Wolf‘s musical manifestation evokes sensations from a forgotten timeline.
Collaborative Friendship
9 Theory and Torii Wolf’s friendship and artistic fellowship hold the test of time, and this project has been a mutual dream for years. Both LA-based artists amassing prolific and long-lasting careers in their own rites. While 9 Theory’s 25 years of creating music include collaborations with artists such as Emancipator, CloZee, and Champagne Drip, Torii Wolf has toured across nine countries performing their transcendent vocals with acts like the legendary DJ Premier. The two have collaborated on various projects of a vast range. Soft Realms seamlessly blends the artists’ styles and speaks to the nature of their collaborative friendship. In this body of work, 9 Theory is quoted with:
“I tell people that this EP sounds like Radiohead and Portishead had an indie baby in 2025. I think that sums this up pretty good, and if there is anything else I would want people to know about this album, I couldn’t be more proud and excited about it, and we had the best time making it.”
Savor Soft Realms
Soft Realms contains four tracks, two were released as singles on March 21st and March 28th. The March 28th release came with a remix companion. Also, the full release on April 4th is accompanied by remixes that expand the sound profile and speak to Gravitas Recordings‘ sonic style, offering fresh takes on the originals. Foremost, “Evaporate” encompasses the emotional vibe of this EP, and is the collaborative artists’ favorite track. This track was the first single released and absolutely sets the tone for the whole album’s soundscape.
Then, the sentimentality carries and lifts higher in “Static,“ the second single released on March 28th. “You should know that you’re not alone.” These comforting lyrics with a soothing organic sound offer a sense of home and safety.
Longing sentiments possess and intoxicate every sense and appeal to a rudimentary human need for love and acceptance. The remix released with “Static” by Mystic State freshly interprets it through the fresh lens of an upbeat future garage track.
Continued Journey
Next, “It Could Happen” brings hopeful lyrics and textured piano and guitar chords to brighten the immersive experience, wrapped in the sonic realm’s soft embrace. Homey windchimes bring the swaying beat into play. The dreamy chorus reminds us that “If it could happen in your mind, then it could happen in your life.”
Finally, to close the original album, “Soft Realms” deepens the melodic scope and alternates between downtempo and breakbeat drum patterns. The track encompasses and rounds out the completion of the original body of work beautifully.
Realms Remixed
Offering four remixes running the gambit of styles and sound design techniques fill out the release immaculately. We delight in Comisar‘s tasteful bass sound design offering on “Evaporate” and To the Tide‘s bouncy energetic take on “It Could Happen.” Characteristically, Edamame flips the script with fresh instrumentation and playful stylistic sound design in his remix of “Soft Realms.” Lastly, Gravitas originally planned to save FullyMaxxed‘s remix of “Evaporate” for vinyl release only. However, the snappy 2-step future garage reimagination necessitated sharing with the whole world. This danceable beat caps the full release off with a pleasantly invigorating sensation.
“There is a really great common thread across all four remixes where the remixers’ productions have a strong element of beauty that the original versions don’t, as well as really cool and groove-forward drums that grab your attention… For each remix, the chords are lush and pretty, and the new takes on the songs have an emotional pull to them that feels beautiful in a really wonderful and warm way.”
– 9 Theory
Takeaway
Conclusively, this entire release encapsulates an integral emotional state of being that permeates all the senses. The Soft Realms EP recalls Gravitas Recordings’ fundamental feature as a label, of pushing boundaries on experimental and downtempo electronic music releases. Truly, this EP by 9 Theory and Torii Wolf, in addition to all the remixes, offers an unforgettable emotional and sensory experience well worth devouring in entirety.
Listen to Soft Realms and follow 9 Theory, Torii Wolf, and Gravitas Recordings!
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