Chris Watson - The Galapagos Islands An Audio Diary

Review by Matthew Ruderman

The album "The Galapagos Islands: An Audio Diary" by Chris Watson is a masterpiece of sound recording and composition. Watson, a renowned sound artist and field recordist, spent two weeks on the Galapagos Islands in 2016, capturing the unique sounds of the island's wildlife and landscapes.

The album is a sonic journey through the varied habitats of the Galapagos, from the volcanic landscapes of Isabela Island to the lush forests of Santa Cruz. The recordings are immersive and detailed, capturing the calls of seabirds, the rustle of leaves, and the gentle lapping of waves.

Watson's skill as a composer is evident in the way he weaves these sounds together into a cohesive and evocative whole. The album is structured like a diary, with each track representing a different day on the island. The transitions between tracks are seamless, creating a sense of continuity and progression.

The album is also a tribute to the Galapagos' unique ecosystem and the conservation efforts that are underway to protect it. Watson includes recordings of conservationists and scientists discussing their work, as well as the sounds of the island's endemic species, such as the Galapagos tortoise and the blue-footed booby.

Summary by Matthew Ruderman

"The Galapagos Islands: An Audio Diary" is a stunning work of art that showcases the beauty and diversity of the Galapagos Islands. Watson's recordings are a testament to the power of sound to transport us to far-off places and connect us to the natural world.