A Cambodian Spring cover

A Cambodian Spring

James Holden · 2019

39 min · 14 tracks · electronic music

An evocative soundscape blending ambient textures with rhythmic pulses, reflecting a world both haunting and hopeful.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Srey Pov's Theme — This track encapsulates the emotional core of the album, utilizing lush textures and melodies that evoke the narrative of resilience depicted in the documentary.
  • →
    Solidarity Theme (Release) — Serving as a pivotal moment on the album, it combines ambient layers with rhythmic elements that symbolize hope and unity among the villagers.
  • →
    Disintegration Drone II (Torn Cone) — This track exemplifies Holden’s experimental edge, using dissonant drones and deep bass tones to create an unsettling yet compelling atmosphere.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album blends thematic development with ambient textures, creating a cohesive yet varied listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The album features a series of interconnected themes, with motifs from 'Monk's Theme' recurring throughout the tracks.
  • Several tracks utilize ambient drones that create a sense of space and atmosphere, while rhythmic pulses emerge in others to drive the momentum.
  • The running time is divided into distinct sections, with the first half focusing on melodic themes and the latter half exploring more abstract soundscapes.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • short, immersive listening sessions
  • atmospheric background focus
  • contemplative and reflective moods
  • layered, dense sonic textures

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time of its release in January 2019, James Holden had already established himself as an influential figure in electronic music, particularly known for his innovative approach to techno. This album serves as a soundtrack to the documentary 'A Cambodian Spring', marking his first major project since his acclaimed 2017 album, 'The Animal Spirits'. The shift towards a film score allowed Holden to explore new sonic territories while maintaining his distinct style.
Stylistic neighbors
Four Tet· Sasha· Nicolas Jaar

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Srey Pov's Theme 2:53
  • 2 Monk's Theme Part I 1:28
  • 3 Downturn (medley) 2:19
  • 4 Solidarity Theme (Villagers) 1:34
  • 5 Monk's Theme II 0:52
  • 6 The Villagers 2:00
  • 7 Disintegration Drone I 2:18
  • 8 Solidarity Theme (Release) 3:25
  • 9 Monk's Theme Part III (Exit) 2:24
  • 10 Reprise 1:26
  • 11 Disintegration Drone II (Torn Cone) 5:19
  • 12 Disintegration Drone III (Death Rattle) 3:05
  • 13 Self-Playing Schmaltz 4:46
  • 14 Srey Prov's Theme (End Credits) 5:16

What to play next

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata