Balearic veterans Coyote return with a deeply immersive six-tracker that drifts between dub, ambient house and sun-drenched downtempo textures.
Coyote’s relationship with NuNorthern Soul continues to feel like a natural alignment. Richard “Ampo” Hampson and Timm Sure have spent decades refining a sound that sits comfortably outside of trends, rooted instead in atmosphere, patience and a deep understanding of mood. The Higher The Sky, The Deeper The Ocean sees the duo lean even further into that philosophy, delivering a record that feels less like a collection of tracks and more like a slow, unfolding journey.
Opener “Go All The Way” sets the tone with a weightless blend of delay-drenched acoustic guitars and fragmented spoken word, immediately placing you in that hazy, in-between space Coyote have long made their own. It is unhurried and expansive, prioritising texture over structure in a way that feels quietly absorbing rather than static.
“A Drop In The Ocean” subtly shifts gears, drawing from early 90s ambient house with its dubby low-end and wide, open chords. There is a gentle propulsion here, but it never pushes too hard. Instead, it simmers, making it an ideal bridge between home listening and those early evening, slow-build DJ moments.
One of the EP’s standout cuts, “Dolce Far Niente”, dips into more psychedelic territory. The inclusion of Terence McKenna’s sampled voice adds a philosophical edge, floating above hypnotic percussion and soft-focus pads. It is a track that rewards repeat listens, revealing new details in its layered arrangement each time.
“Riviera Sound” introduces a touch more rhythmic intent, with dub-heavy basslines and downtempo breaks giving it a subtle dancefloor lean. Still, this is far from peak-time material. Like much of Coyote’s output, it thrives in transitional spaces, think sunset sets, after-hours sessions or those moments where energy dips into introspection.
Closing track “No Coincidences” brings a slightly more organic feel, blending jazzy double bass, light acid flourishes and Latin-tinged percussion. There is a warmth to it that rounds off the EP beautifully, grounding the record after its more cosmic excursions.
Across its six tracks, The Higher The Sky, The Deeper The Ocean captures Coyote at their most refined. The production is detailed without ever feeling overworked, and the pacing allows each element to breathe. This is not a record built for instant impact, but for longevity, a slow-burner that reveals its depth over time.
For DJs and selectors, there is plenty here for the more considered corners of a set. For listeners, it is a transportive experience that lives up to its title, expansive, meditative and quietly profound.
A beautifully cohesive release that reinforces Coyote’s place as true custodians of the Balearic downtempo sound. Pre order the release on NuNorthern Soul’s Bandcamp here. Listening party on April 22nd, link here.
