Amsterdam Rain Walk — Canals at Night

Amsterdam sounds unlike any other European capital of its size, and the reason is that the centre is largely off limits to cars. Take away engine noise and what is left is bicycle tyres on brick, water lapping against hulls, and voices carrying much further than they should. Add rain and the canals turn the whole thing reflective — sound bounces off water and gabled brick in a way that gives even a narrow street a sense of depth.

Jeronimo Ambience records these with an umbrella overhead, which puts a steady close-mic patter on top of everything else. That is either the best or the worst part depending on your taste: it is a lot of near-field rain, and it masks a room extremely well. Sits between the loud walks and the quiet ones here.