·October 25, 2025·3 min read

The Salty Submarine: Arlo Hennings’ Oceanic Soundworld

About the Artist

Arlo Hennings is a published author, musician, and former music industry professional. He has built a long and dynamic career in the music business, beginning as the guitarist for the band Vitamin Q. Later, he managed acclaimed artist Shawn Phillips, served as A&R Director and Co-Publisher for PolyGram Music International, and founded the Minnesota Music Awards.

Moreover, his multifaceted experience extended into writing. He also is the author of Guitarlo, a memoir chronicling his life in music, and SOLO—10 Years in Bali, a reflection on his years abroad. After the Great Recession, he relocated to Bali, Indonesia, where he continued working within the Indonesian music scene, including collaborating with Balinese pianist Erik Sondhy.

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The Album: The Salty Submarine

Hennings’s latest release, The Salty Submarine (October 1, 2025), is a ten-track conceptual album in the ambient and atmospheric genre. It weaves an ocean-themed, immersive experience that draws listeners beneath the waves. The tracklist includes: Neptune’s Triton, Dolphin Nursery, Octopus Garden, Orca Pod, Dolphin Tears, Valley of the Dancing Starfish, Seahorse Ballet, Davy Jones Locker, Zooplankton School, and Neptune’s Reprise. The album is designed to be experienced as a cohesive, flowing composition with musical pieces that convey vivid imagery.

Neptune’s Triton opens the album with an aquatic descent. It moves slowly and gradually, like waves washing over you as you enter the water. There are gentle rippling sounds, bright tones, and light percussive beats that shimmer softly. The triangle adds a delicate sparkle, spilling faint chimes through the mix. The title, referencing the sea god’s conch shell, captures the essence of calm and entry into the ocean’s mysterious depths. Then, Zooplankton School follows with overlapping, tiny instrumental layers that seem to represent the unseen details of marine life. Here, the minimalist and ambient elements draw focus to the microscopic wonders of the sea, grounding the listener after the album’s luminous opening.

Next, Dolphin Nursery dives deeper. The sound feels lower in key but radiates warmth and hope, suggesting peace and innocence beneath the waves. Afterward, Octopus Garden brings an experimental flair—its unpredictable shifts and colors mirror the complex, ever-changing world of the octopus. Meanwhile, Orca Pod rises in intensity. The track feels powerful, rhythmic, and dramatic, echoing the energy and coordination of orcas moving as one. Tabla-like percussion adds texture and cultural depth, turning this piece into a thrilling centerpiece.

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Following the intensity, Dolphin Tears offers a somber and emotional moment. Its melancholy tone suggests reflection, maybe loss or memory. Then, Valley of the Dancing Starfish brightens the mood again with whimsical rhythms and blub-like sounds that mimic the graceful movement of starfish. Even here, tabla-like instruments keep the track grounded in rhythm and drama. Soon after, Seahorse Ballet glides in with elegance, carrying delicate, layered arrangements that feel poised and intricate.

Finally, Davy Jones Locker builds mystery and suspense, its tones shifting from grey to luminous. Midway, the volume surges, pushing the listener toward anticipation. Ultimately, Neptune’s Reprise closes the album with greater fullness and intensity, symbolizing the end of the voyage and a return to the surface. Ultimately, The Salty Submarine moves like an underwater symphony—calm, vivid, and alive—leaving you floating between dream and discovery.