Nathan Smith

When two distinct musical worlds collide, the results can be unpredictable. In the case of Nanocluster Vol. 3, the latest installment of Immersion’s collaborative series, unpredictability is the point. The duo of Colin Newman (Wire) and Malka Spigel (Minimal Compact) have a history of pushing sonic boundaries, and with ambient-country collective SUSS joining them, the result is a genre-blurring experience that feels both celestial and deeply rooted in the earth.

A journey through expansive soundscapes

From the opening moments, the album takes shape as an immersive listening experience, guiding the audience through shifting sonic environments. The third track, “Luminous,” offers a meditative moment, layering peaceful soundscapes with the sounds of birds, allowing the listener a moment of stillness and reflection. But Nanocluster Vol. 3 never stays in one place for too long.

On “Cross Pollination,” the blending of styles becomes explicit: country instrumentation—particularly violin—melds with cosmic electronic textures, sounding as if it was composed somewhere between the American frontier and deep space. The seamless fusion captures the spirit of the Nanocluster project, which has always sought to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

Vocals emerge for the first time on “In the Far Away,” but even here, they exist as part of the ethereal landscape rather than dominating the track. The album then takes an unexpected turn on “State of Motion,” where a driving beat and an electric guitar riff introduce a more rhythmic, energized pulse—proof that Nanocluster Vol. 3 is just as comfortable with movement as it is with introspection.

The Evolution of Nanocluster

Each Nanocluster release takes on the character of its collaborators, and SUSS brings a distinct country-infused warmth to this edition. Just as Nanocluster Vol. 1 absorbed the textured post-rock tendencies of Tarwater, this album is unmistakably shaped by SUSS’ cinematic, Americana-infused sound. Their signature pedal steel, harmonium, and baritone guitar resonate throughout, lending the project a sense of wide-open space and frontier mysticism.

SUSS’ Bob Holmes explains, “Collaboration is an important aspect of the type of music SUSS makes. The exploration and discovery of the unknown is central to our creative process.” That ethos is clearly on display here—this album isn’t just about genre-melding; it’s about creating something entirely new.

Where Does It Fit?

With comparisons to Brian Eno’s Apollo Atmospheres and descriptions of “ambient country,” Nanocluster Vol. 3 defies simple classification. It thrives in the space between, creating an experience that is both grounded and otherworldly. Whether it’s a soundtrack for desert road trips or stargazing sessions, the album offers a sonic landscape that invites listeners to wander.

As SUSS’ Pat Irwin puts it, “One of the challenges of a collaboration is being led into places you never could have imagined.” It’s precisely that sense of discovery that makes Nanocluster Vol. 3 such a rewarding listen.

Nanocluster vol. 3 is out now on all streaming platforms. Catch Immersion and SUSS on tour now! Visit here to buy tickets!