Russ B Returning to Familiar Waters: Jack Hertz’s “Coastlines 2”
California ambient composer Jack Hertz returns to the aquatic environments that have consistently inspired his most compelling work with “Coastlines 2,” a follow-up to his 2022 release that continues his exploration of liquid soundscapes and coastal atmospheres. This latest offering from the prolific Pacifica-based artist demonstrates both the strengths and occasional limitations of revisiting successful conceptual territory, delivering immersive sonic environments that capture the perpetual motion and meditative qualities of oceanic landscapes while occasionally feeling constrained by its own thematic parameters.
As a “liquid mix” dedicated to his followers, “Coastlines 2” functions as both artistic statement and fan service, acknowledging the community that has supported Hertz’s remarkably prolific output 143 releases available on Bandcamp as of 2025. The album’s title suggests both continuation and evolution, positioning itself as a natural progression from the original “Coastlines” while exploring new territories within familiar sonic waters.
The opening track establishes the album’s environmental parameters through carefully layered field recordings and synthetic textures that evoke the liminal spaces where land meets sea. Hertz’s approach to ambient composition has always emphasized the intersection between natural and artificial sounds, and “Coastlines 2” continues this exploration with particular attention to the rhythmic qualities inherent in coastal environments. The gentle percussion of waves against shore becomes a foundational element that grounds more abstract electronic processing in recognizable environmental contexts.
What distinguishes this collection from Hertz’s vast catalog is its focused attention to dynamic movement within static frameworks. The compositions avoid the complete stasis that can plague lengthy ambient pieces, instead incorporating subtle rhythmic elements that mirror tidal patterns and oceanic currents. This approach reflects the composer’s maturation as an ambient artist, demonstrating understanding that true immersion requires careful attention to temporal development rather than simple textural layering.
The album’s middle section explores deeper aquatic territories, with extended drone passages that suggest the vast darkness of open ocean. Here, Hertz’s skill with harmonic development becomes particularly evident—sustained tones gradually shift in color and intensity, creating the impression of descent through water columns where light gradually diminishes. The compositional technique recalls the work of deep listening pioneers like Pauline Oliveros while maintaining Hertz’s characteristic California coastal sensibility.
Field recording integration throughout “Coastlines 2” demonstrates sophisticated understanding of how environmental sounds function within composed frameworks. Rather than simply providing naturalistic backdrops, these recordings become integral compositional elements that influence harmonic choices and rhythmic development. The interplay between recorded coastal environments and synthesized elements creates hybrid soundscapes that feel both documentary and fantastical.
The album’s production quality maintains the high standards established across Hertz’s extensive discography, with particular attention paid to spatial relationships between different sonic elements. The stereo field becomes a compositional tool that enhances the immersive qualities essential to successful ambient music. Low-frequency content receives careful treatment, creating the sense of oceanic depth without overwhelming more delicate textural elements.
“Coastlines 2” succeeds most effectively when embracing the repetitive, cyclical nature of its oceanic inspiration. The compositions develop through subtle variation rather than dramatic transformation, mirroring the way coastal environments change gradually through tidal cycles and seasonal shifts. This approach requires patience from listeners accustomed to more conventional musical development, but rewards attention with discoveries that emerge through extended engagement.
The album’s conceptual coherence represents both strength and limitation. While the consistent thematic focus creates a unified listening experience, it occasionally constrains compositional development in ways that prevent individual tracks from achieving their full potential. The most successful moments occur when Hertz allows his electronic processing to suggest environments beyond literal coastal representation moments where the music transcends its documentary impulses to achieve more abstract emotional resonance.
Contemporary ambient music faces the challenge of distinguishing itself within an increasingly crowded field, and “Coastlines 2” addresses this challenge through focused attention to environmental specificity rather than generic atmospheric generation. Hertz’s intimate knowledge of California coastal landscapes informs compositional choices in ways that create authentic sense of place while maintaining the universal accessibility essential to ambient music’s therapeutic function.
The album’s relationship to its predecessor invites comparison while establishing its own identity. Where the original “Coastlines” introduced Hertz’s liquid mix concept, this sequel develops the approach with greater sophistication and compositional confidence. The evolution suggests an artist comfortable with his chosen territory while remaining committed to discovering new possibilities within established parameters.
“Coastlines 2” functions effectively both as focused listening experience and environmental background, demonstrating ambient music’s unique capacity to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The compositions reward active attention while supporting passive consumption, creating flexible acoustic environments that adapt to listener needs and contexts.
For followers of Hertz’s extensive catalog, “Coastlines 2” represents a successful return to proven territory with enough developmental sophistication to justify its existence beyond mere repetition. The album confirms the composer’s position as a significant voice in contemporary American ambient music while suggesting continued potential for growth within his chosen environmental and technological parameters.
As environmental consciousness becomes increasingly urgent, ambient music exploring natural landscapes takes on added significance beyond pure aesthetic concerns. “Coastlines 2” contributes to this cultural conversation through its celebration of coastal environments and implicit advocacy for their preservation through artistic attention.
The album stands as a worthy addition to Hertz’s remarkable output, offering both newcomers and longtime followers access to carefully crafted sonic environments that honor the complexity and beauty of California’s coastal geography. While it may not represent a radical departure or breakthrough moment, “Coastlines 2” succeeds through consistent quality and authentic engagement with its chosen themes, confirming Jack Hertz’s continuing relevance in the evolving landscape of contemporary ambient electronic music.
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