Laraaji Review
For nearly five decades, Laraaji has explored immersive, meditative listening and the transformative potential of sound. His landmark collaboration with Brian Eno became one of the defining works of ambient music…
PERSONAL REVIEW BY LARAAJI
“TOM FECHTER’S SONICNEST SPLASHES DOWN IN HARLEM FROM ITS EARTH ORBIT …
Thursday, September 17, 2026
I found the live, personal introduction to SonicNEST to be an uncomplicated float into a focused stereo listening experience. Sitting in a yogic lotus posture on the firm, supportive circular nest seat, facing two high-end stereo speakers while the subwoofer vibrated my body from below, I received an immersive sound-bathing experience!
The Bluetooth-operated sound program moved through a variety of full-spectrum recorded music, including one piece on which I had collaborated as a musician. The initial awkwardness of sitting in the yoga lotus position without a bolster cushion interfered with my ability to focus fully on the music program Tom was sending via Bluetooth.
After a few minutes of settling into my posture, I was able to focus on the musical program, noticing the subwoofer vibrating my body from below and the rich sounds of orchestral instruments coming from the two small but ample stereo speakers facing me.
Although the sound field was rich and immersive, I would have appreciated a different, less physically stressful listening position. The compact, space-friendly design of SonicNEST suggests portability and the possibility of moving it spontaneously from one space to another.
As an immersive sound artist myself, I could easily enjoy using SonicNEST as a valid monitor and for alternative studio playback.
Over the past 20 years, I have tested similar reclining-chair listening units. They were not as portable as SonicNEST and perhaps not as easy to interface with any audio & video source.”
Laraaji, Harlem NYC
