Experimental sounds flooded the halls of Benson Memorial Center’s lower level as KSCU hosted its first concert of the new “Undercurrents” series. Walking through the doors of the KSCU office, there was a noticeable gust of heat radiating from the bodies of thirty students packed side by side along the floor.

All gathered around as seniors Simon Lanzoni and Raghav Gupta stood up and explained the mayhem that was yet to come. The genre for the night was “Ambient Music,” something that had likely never crossed the minds or ears of many in attendance, and Lanzoni and Gupta urged the audience to lay back, close their eyes, and become one with the music to capture the entire experience.

Switching between a piano, a Moog synthesizer, a saxophone, and an upright bass, the two musicians delivered a 45-minute world of sound between two original songs. With both pieces consisting entirely of improv, there was a particular focus on performing music that was free and in the moment.

“The genesis of [Undercurrents] was the idea to try and create opportunities for music that isn’t really highlighted on campus with shows like the Forge Garden or Sonic Bloom.” said Lanzoni, who also played a major role in the organization of the series.

Not only was the music a breath of fresh air, but the relaxed and cozy atmosphere of the rarely-seen KSCU office truly played into creating a much more intimate vibe to compliment the music. Despite the unfamiliarity of the genre, Lanzoni and Gupta were able to leave their audience in a noticeable sense of meditative awe after the show. Not only were the musicians happy with their performance, but they also were happy with the crowd engagement.

“It was packed, which was amazing,” noted Lanzoni. “This music can be off-putting and strange initially, but I was speaking with some people afterwards and they said they were really moved by it.”

With such a successful first showing, the Undercurrents series plans to have a few more shows throughout the remainder of the quarter. This week on Thursday evening, Lanzoni returned to play alongside fellow senior Corrado Moy in a project called “Silent Idols.” The genre? Drone Metal, a genre focused heavily on volume and tone, while maintaining a similar sense of improvisation.

“It will be very meditative but in a different, much heavier way.” explained Lanzoni before the show.

To open the show, Junior Will Jaspen followed up a recent, unforgettable instrumental performance at Sonic Bloom under the moniker “pentandra.” For the next show, Lanzoni hopes to incorporate a more experimental jazz approach featuring senior Kyle Kinard, a student staple within the Santa Clara music department.