You can’t see the name Hunter P. Thompson and not think of the famed gonzo writer. But the Portland-based musician emits a radically different energy. His Akasha System and Opaline projects—house and ambient, respectively—are full of ethereal but understated bliss. Shadow Self is Thompson’s fifth release as Akasha System in two years. And while each one is on a different label, they all have the same vibe. Shadow Self, like all of Thompson’s work, feels easy and laid-back. Simple, lilting synth riffs loop in layers, breathing organically over a steady pulse of soft percussion. Small details differentiate tracks, like the synthetic bass and glassy pipes of “Wave Axis” or the twee guitar-like plucking in “Clearing (Indexing)”. There’s real elegance in the interplay of gentle delirium in “Steam Canvas”‘s waterfall arpeggio and ringing chimes, which are offset by a meditative three-note melody. Thompson has perfected an accessible style that flows like water. As wonderful as it is, I can’t help but wonder what a change in temperature might do.