Mobthrow delivers once again that notorious, dark dubstep sound with “Pitch Black EP” while unpronounceable 2methylbulbe1ol’s offering is best categorized in that vein of IDM especially made to prickle the senses and Çuta Kebab & Party present a surprising mashup of tough and fast breakbeats with Turkish flavours.
Tag: 2009
Caithness – Apostasy and the Sorrowful Child
“Apostasy and the Sorrowful Child” is a melodic, modern classical-influenced slab of dark ambient. I find that the melodic elements are both this album’s strength and weakness. They work to build up a strong atmosphere and give this a specialized flavor, yet at the same time they have a tendency to fall into the tacky and/or bombastic category.
Andrew Oudot – Crystallization
The fragile, pure tones generated on this record convey crystal clarity with every passing measure. Mathematical precision in the programming meets an almost organic growth algorithm in the sequencing creating something that is beautiful, brittle and cuts directly to the bone – not unlike clusters of crystalline formations.
Persona – Ruïnes
On this lengthy record Persona attempts folk, martial, dark ambient, neo-classical and even power electronics – and finds success with none of them. Nonetheless, I give this band credit for trying to mix so many styles, often two or three per song. Although some interesting elements make an appearance here, especially the neofolk-ish instrumentation, as a whole, Persona is unable to craft memorable, finished-sounding tracks.
Hall of Mirrors – Forgotten Realm
Sound-wise, “Forgotten Realm” is a dark, etho-ambient record that is a bit reminiscent of Steve Roach, Alio Die, or some Robert Rich. The album art provides a fitting visual representation of the contents of this record: evocative soundscapes that bring to mind exploring ruined jungle temples and the rites of the forgotten primeval tribe who built them.
Treha Sektori – Sorieh
Treha Sektori have a penchant for creating immense, blackened atmospheres through the use of layered earthen drones, just the right amount of distant clanking and banging, and a few heavily revered, somber melodies. Definitely something to check out for fans of ritual and cold meat industry-style ambient.
Ground to Dust – Everything Ends
The majority of this release is what you’d expect from this kind of act, being synth-driven, danceable tunes with a good beat forming middle-of-the-road, generic EBM. The vocals are good, if a little over-processed, and the overall song writing is well crafted and nicely produced but still what you’d expect.
Dario Elia – Vie Impervie
For fans of ambient jazz, this release would fit well into your music collection. If you’re not, however, you may find this a little difficult to appreciate, though it may be a good starting point to expand your musical horizons. Overall, this is a well crafted album with some very creative ideas.
PRXS – Pink Candyfloss Fields
There are high production levels on this release, more than you’d expect for a self-release. But this just shows that PRXS has been in this game for a while and has the skills needed. You do, however, get the feeling that better is yet to come.
V/A – Hypercommunity
Aliens serve up something excellent in the form of “Hypercommunity” – and the record forms both an excellent introduction to a very exciting label as well as a welcome sampler of new material for existing fans.