A Measure of Shape and Sounds
| A Measure of Shape and Sounds | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | September 20, 2024 | |||
| Recorded | 2023–2024 | |||
| Genre | Ambient · Experimental · Instrumental | |||
| Length | 43:24 | |||
| Label | Hopeful Tragedy Records | |||
| Producer | Alex Henry Foster · Ben Lemelin | |||
| Alex Henry Foster chronology | ||||
| ||||
A Measure of Shape and Sounds is the third studio album by Canadian musician Alex Henry Foster. It was released on September 20, 2024, through Hopeful Tragedy Records.[1] It was originally intended as a companion to Foster's previous release, Kimiyo, under the larger umbrella project Voyage à la Mer.[2]
Background
The album was created during Foster's recovery from a double cardiac graft surgery in 2023. Collaborating with longtime partner Ben Lemelin, Foster turned to instrumental soundscapes as a means of expression during a period when singing and writing lyrics were not possible.[3]
Musical style
Critics have described the album as ambient and experimental, relying on loops,[4] reverb, and minimalist arrangements[5] to convey emotion without lyrics.[6]
Track listing
All tracks written by Alex Henry Foster and Ben Lemelin.
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Thoughtful Descent" | 2:47 |
| 2. | "Mechanical Revision" | 3:43 |
| 3. | "A Mind’s Tapestry" | 5:08 |
| 4. | "Cinematic Insight" | 4:57 |
| 5. | "Self-Portrait" | 2:29 |
| 6. | "Sorrowful Bouquet" | 6:42 |
| 7. | "Manic View" | 2:35 |
| 8. | "A Gesture, A Present" | 7:49 |
| 9. | "Alchemical Connection" | 2:34 |
| 10. | "Reflective Ascent" | 4:30 |
Reception
Three Songs & Out described the album as an introspective and ambient journey, noting its live recording approach and the natural flow of the compositions.[6] During an interview with New Noise Magazine Foster emphasized that point, describing the album as "an introspective record, a sonic landscape inviting us to reflect and muse, but mainly to find inner solace, peace even."[7] Psychedelic Baby Magazine premiered the track "Cinematic Insight" and discussed the album's creation process, noting that the album represents a profound personal journey, like a collage of multiple surrounding senses and vibrations, capturing the essence of inner freedom and honesty.[8] In a different feature for another music video, "Alchemical Connection", Psychedelic Baby Magazine highlighted the track's contemplative nature and its contribution to the album's theme of introspective exploration.[9] Jesus Freak Hideout reviewed the album, describing it as "a piece of abstract art" that delves into themes of personal growth and emotional release.[10]
Billboard Canada reported that Alex Henry Foster's album debuted at No. 41 on the Canadian Albums chart, following a No. 12 debut for his previous album, Kimiyo.[11]
Accolades
On September 17, 2025, A Measure of Shape and Sounds was nominated at the 47ᵉ Gala de l’ADISQ in two categories: Album de l’année – Succès populaire and Album de l’année – Musique instrumentale.[12][13][14]
ADISQ
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | A Measure of Shape and Sounds | Album of the Year - Popular Success | Nominated |
| 2025 | A Measure of Shape and Sounds | Album of the Year - Instrumental Music | Nominated |
Personnel
- Alex Henry Foster – instruments, composition, production
- Ben Lemelin – co-writer, instrumentation, production
References
- ^ "A Measure of Shape and Sounds | Alex Henry Foster & The Long Shadows". 2024-07-08. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
- ^ Breznikar, Klemen (2024-03-27). "'A Silent Stream' by Alex Henry Foster Featuring Momoka | New Album, 'Kimoyo'". It's Psychedelic Baby Magazine. Retrieved 2025-12-07.
- ^ "Interview: Alex Henry Foster Discusses 'A Measure Of Shape and Sounds'". New Noise Magazine. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
- ^ "NFN New Music Review – ALEX HENRY FOSTER : A Measure of Shape and Sounds. (Hopeful Tragedy Records)". Never for Nothing. 2024-12-11. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
- ^ "'Cinematic Insight' by Alex Henry Foster | New Album, 'A Measure Of Shape And Sounds'". It's Psychedelic Baby Magazine. 2024-09-20. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
- ^ a b "Alex Henry Foster And The Long Shadows - 'A Measure Of Sound And Shapes' Album Review". 3songsandout. 2024-09-24. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
- ^ "Alex Henry Foster on his new album 'A Measure of Shape and Sounds'". New Noise Magazine. October 10, 2024. Retrieved September 18, 2025.
- ^ "'Cinematic Insight' by Alex Henry Foster". Psychedelic Baby Magazine. September 20, 2024. Retrieved September 18, 2025.
- ^ "'Alchemical Connection' by Alex Henry Foster". Psychedelic Baby Magazine. July 9, 2024. Retrieved September 18, 2025.
- ^ "Alex Henry Foster, 'A Measure of Shape and Sounds'". Jesus Freak Hideout. November 6, 2024. Retrieved September 18, 2025.
- ^ "Alex Henry Foster Debuts 'A Measure of Shape and Sound' at No. 41". Billboard Canada. October 2, 2024. Retrieved September 18, 2025.
- ^ "Les nominations du gala de l'ADISQ 2025". Le Canal Auditif. 17 September 2025. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
- ^ "Les nominations du Premier gala de l'ADISQ 2025". Le Canal Auditif. 17 September 2025. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
- ^ "Galas 2025 – Nominations" (PDF). ADISQ. 17 September 2025. Retrieved 18 September 2025.