I don’t remember how I came across this album. Most likely, I was once again drawn in by a beautiful minimalist cover while looking for something new to fill the evening with sounds that wouldn’t be distracting but wouldn’t let me get bored either. You know how sometimes you put something on as background music, and then you catch yourself playing the same track for the tenth time in a row? Surroundings by UMFYR is exactly that kind of record.

photo by Fetzmann

It consists of eight instrumental compositions—soft rock blended with gentle ambient and a cozy American atmosphere. I’ve always found the phrase “cozy American atmosphere” a bit amusing, but once you start feeling it, all questions disappear on their own. It brings to mind something like the lingering anticipation of a sunset on the porch of an old house somewhere deep in the countryside, where time stretches endlessly slow and everything around stirs in a half-dream. That’s the mood you’ll hear here.

The main strength of Surroundings is its light, almost airy sound. It gives the impression that the artists took the upper frequencies and wrapped them in a warm blanket while serving the basslines on a platter with aromatic coffee. At times, the album resembles old road trip soundtracks—it doesn’t seem to be in a hurry, yet it confidently guides you forward. Occasionally, a more active guitar wave sweeps through, but it never breaks the calm, just adds a bit of texture.

Surroundings fits seamlessly into any part of the day when you need a break. Whether you’re unwinding with a book, searching for inspiration for new ideas, or simply resetting in the evening, this album and its long, flowing compositions hit just the right wavelengths. They don’t demand your full attention, yet they remain expressive enough to imprint a fleeting image in your mind.

No abrupt transitions, no vocal outbursts. It’s clear that UMFYR created Surroundings as an escape from the noise of thought into something vast and serene. And at that point, it no longer matters that you’re sitting in a dimly lit room with the curtains drawn and a long-forgotten mug on the table. Engaging with these tracks feels like a familiar voice gently reminding you that you still have a moment to exhale.

A spontaneous walk through an unfamiliar city begins with Petunia, where a soothing wave of music carries you effortlessly. Dave Sommer’s bass lays down a dense yet weightless foundation, over which Robert J. Mohonk weaves a smooth, warm guitar line.

From here, UMFYR confidently expand their sonic palette. Roundabout introduces soft synth pads and light pop motifs—something like an evening breeze after a scorching day. Treibholz shifts to a more intimate setting with romantic guitars and gentle soul undertones—perhaps a small café by the shore, where at sunset, people speak in hushed tones so as not to disturb the moment.

Then Eggrain steps in, changing everything once again. This track carries a distinct depth, built from a blend of spacious ambient textures, airy guitar swells, and a steady yet unobtrusive rhythm section. Udo Bornemann on drums subtly adjusts the tonal flow, letting the music drift freely. Its eight-minute runtime only works in its favor, allowing the listener to completely dissolve into the sound.

Wasserfall continues in this contemplative vein, but with an even softer touch. Yet, the album doesn’t linger too long in meditation. With Odessa, it brings back an energetic rhythm, adding a subtle noir-like quality and a sense of mystery. It’s the kind of track that evokes a scene where the protagonist walks through the city at night, streetlights casting long shadows on the pavement. Then comes Knöterich—groovy and dynamic, with bold guitar riffs and smooth keys, injecting a playful sense of motion into the album.

And finally, Graseule—the closing note where UMFYR bring together all the colors of their sound into something… elegant. Sascha Aust’s cameo appearance on lead guitar gives the melody its expressiveness, while Arne Maiwald’s cosmic keys create the sensation of briefly stepping into another reality, filled with soft light and endless tranquility.

It’s easy to see why this album can be played for hours. Its fluidity never wears thin, and the very idea of “surroundings” works particularly well here—you’re not just a passive listener. UMFYR gently rock you into a state of calm while subtly nudging you toward new thoughts. In the end, you realize you’ve found that rare sound that doesn’t cloud your mind but instead helps you unwind and reset.

And perhaps that’s one of the best compliments an instrumental album can receive. So much music these days tries to force its way into your soul with heavy-handed messages—this does the opposite. Listening to UMFYR gives you a few free hours to step away from everything. Highly recommended!

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