Hooria Sanei Finds Solace in Sound Design on New EP "Residual"

Hooria Sanei’s latest three-track EP, "Residual", delves into the mind’s natural defense mechanisms. As a London-based multidisciplinary artist, composer, pianist, and cellist, Sanei is known for crafting immersive sonic experiences that encourage introspection. Her background in Interaction Design from the University of the Arts London shapes her approach to sound, resulting in compositions that merge ambient, modern classical, and drone music. With exhibitions in the UK and Austria, her work regularly explores the intersection of music and psychological landscapes, making "Residual" a natural extension of her artistic vision.

This project guides listeners through the psychological process of emotional and mental self-protection during stress or trauma. Divided into three distinct stages, each track symbolizes a crucial step in the journey from disturbance to healing. While the structure is simple, its execution offers a profound portrayal of human resilience.

The first track creates an atmosphere of unease, sonically depicting the mind’s initial reaction to distress. Through layered drones and subtle dissonance, Sanei captures the tension of this phase without overwhelming the listener. There’s a delicate balance between discomfort and beauty, reflecting the mind’s instinctive shielding from emotional shocks. Her restrained yet expressive use of cello allows space for the composition to breathe and for the listener to connect with their emotions.

The second stage shifts the tone, presenting a more introspective and contemplative space. The textures become fluid, blending ambient washes with delicate melodic fragments. This transition is crucial, marking the moment when the mind starts to process and unravel its emotional burdens. Sanei’s ability to convey this psychological shift through music is impressive—each note feels intentional, guiding the listener through self-reflection without forcing a resolution. The sound design is striking, balancing organic instrumentation with electronic elements to create a liminal, dreamlike atmosphere.

The final track embodies acceptance and healing. Without being overtly optimistic, the composition conveys a quiet sense of resolution. The layering of sounds feels richer, with a noticeable warmth absent in earlier tracks, offering a sense of closure without finality—healing is not a linear process . Instead of delivering a neatly packaged ending, Sanei leaves room for ambiguity, allowing each listener to interpret the journey personally.

What makes "Residual" so compelling is its ability to convey complex emotional states without words. Sanei’s meticulous approach to composition ensures each track serves a distinct purpose while contributing to the EP’s overall narrative arc. The production is clean yet organic, avoiding excessive embellishment in favor of raw emotional expression. This restraint makes the music feel deeply personal yet universally relatable.

In a landscape where ambient and modern classical music can sometimes feel overly conceptual or detached, Sanei’s work stands out for its sincerity. "Residual" is not just an intellectual exercise in sound design; it is an emotionally rich experience that speaks to the resilience of the human psyche. It is a testament to the power of music in processing and understanding our inner worlds.

For those who appreciate deeply introspective, atmospheric compositions, "Residual" is a must-listen. It invites the audience to sit with their emotions, acknowledge the complexities of healing, and find solace in the quiet moments between notes. Hooria Sanei has crafted a work that is as thought-provoking as it is sonically beautiful, cementing her place as a vital voice in contemporary ambient and modern classical music.