For nearly a decade, Amar Lal has played in the post-hardcore band Big Ups. Following their hiatus and his move from Brooklyn to Oakland, Lal now channels far more serene energies with a new solo project. His debut album, Gardening, collects audio journals and field recordings into a deep listening experience fit for reflection. Post-Trash likens it to "watching a time-lapse of grass growing or ants working," or "getting lost among the tallest of trees with no concept of time or place." The cassette sees release on Cuddle Formation's Never Content (Dustin Wong, Alexia Avina, Mutual Benefit).