peacewise silence
An Album by Ackerman
Ackerman releases their 3rd official album “peacewise silence”
out on Ambient Pasta.
Written by Tom & Dan Criblez(he/hims)
Ackerman‘s 3rd album is a new sonic and emotional level for the band, expressing themes about mental health through creative song writing and satisfying production. Releasing a wide collection of singles over a years time, Ackerman’s long stream of releases glued a premeditated curated experience. With so much music released, they collaborated with visual artist Dan Criblez creating over a dozen covers and animation loops for the project. The world of peacewise silence is an exploratory, engaging sonic relief from the strain of the ego-ic mind.
Ackerman is an indie rock band based in Brooklyn, NY. Starting as a bedroom pop project, the band became a mainstay of the indie scene in NYC with their open collaborative spirit. The project is defined by their lack of definition, flirting with many disparate genres including psych, nu-disco, post-rock, and ambient.
Starting as a trio between Jordan Mcafee Hahn, Bernardo Ochoa, and Matti Dunitez, the NYU dorms were not ready for the experimental space album, The Orian Pact. This being their official launch of the project to main streaming services, the band progressed to creating an album split in 2 EP’s 1,000 Variations of Yourself & A Million Sunflowers in 2019. Exploring more of a Pop edge with singles like “Loverboy” & “84 Palms‘ ‘ such tracks have established momentum leading to their new 15 track album, peacewise silence.
The sonic palette of peacewise silence feels like a hazy afternoon stroll through the, not always easy to navigate, human mind. The laid back drums and Cocteau Twin-like guitars of the title track, “peacewise silence”, bring a true meaning to the title to help quiet the strain of a confusing day or endless pitfalls of cyclical thoughts. The song ends with what becomes a familiar ambience throughout the album that the band slips into with ease, giving the listener time to reflect on what they just heard. These ambient spaces add a lush diversity to the other more energetic moments on the album like “daily life” and “dodeca”, along with abstract anthems like “home stretch” and “casiotone kid” which are some of the strongest production and writing we’ve heard from the band. Dunitez’s drumming and mixing/production skills are highlighted throughout each track alongside consistent collaborator and multi-instrumentalist Ochoa, both of whom are staples within the BK scene across all genres. All in support of their fearless leader, Mcafee Hahn whose vocals are clearer and brighter than ever. peacewise silence is a sign of great things to come from these hazy, sweet chillers.
Artist Statement
“Hard to put what this album means to me into words. Many bits and pieces coming together through love, passion, and drive. I don’t even know how it happened sometimes. Seeing where we were in 2017 vs now is such a trippy experience. So many changes, relocations, and obstacles, but overcoming them all and immortalizing them together in these songs is something I will cherish forever, truly. I love these guys more than anything in the world, and the connection we have and these creations we’ve crafted together are my most proud achievements. The way music has brought so many artists together who have lent their talents and built lasting friendships, I’m at a loss for words. The fact people listen to it and connect to it is the cherry on top! All I feel through everything is gratitude. So much gratitude.
What initially started as an album about mental health struggles in an uncertain time became a vibrant celebration of life and joy. It’s a mantra that we live by in tough times. It became a living document of love and perseverance.
In 2019 we went to the Ochoa farm in Alexandria, NJ with the studio packed into Matti’s van. That is where many of these songs were born. We lived together in the heat of summer, staying up and playing without any worry of noise complaints. We made lasting memories together, and learned a lot about communication in the process. Even though we live apart, which presented challenges, we learned to give the songs a life of their own. Ackerman has always been a formless project, and it thrives when it constantly moves and changes.”
-Jordan Mcafee Hahn
Ackerman is a bicoastal band between New York and Los Angles. More recently, Alex DeSimine of Talk Bazaar & Ritual Talk has joined forces with the band making the project a 4 piece. Matti, Bernardo & Alex living in Queens, NY and Jordan primarily living in LA. We’re incredibly lucky and grateful to be collaborating with such prolific artists and good hearted humans 🙂
You can find more amazing work from Ackerman through the icons below
peacewise silence
Artwork by Dan Criblez
