There are so many emotions in music. Happiness, angst, sadness, melancholy, etc. The list is quite long and equally varied. It is rare to find a work that has the ability and presence to combine a good number of these emotions in one release.
Sébastyén D (FR), the composer behind this intricate work, has found the sifting shelter here in which to share his visions, his dreams. Expertly recorded, constructed, and mastered by the same. He is not new to the creative process. No less than 13 works can be attributed to him in his various roles. His eclectic mix of electronic and organic sounds blend together so well on this release. The tracks (at least on the limited edition, which I was lucky enough to receive)flow, ebb, fade, and swell upon one another. Even though the initial track can stand on it’s own merit and strength, the completeness of said track can be truly justified by the tracks either preceding or following. Or both.
This album is full of loss, melancholy, and an unquenchable yearning. It’s also full of beautifully layered drums, guitars, and vocals that whisper, beckon and beseech in turn. The use of primary minor chords, along with some nature elements really endear this one. It has the honest sound of truth and genuine talent.
As the tracklist is played, Sébastyén D builds more and more into each new work. He finds gentle rhythm and empty sadness at every turn, exposing the sorrow for what it is, and the ancillary emotions for what they are.
This is by no means a strictly “dark” work. Though foreboding and tinged with crushing melancholy, there is a three dimensional quality to the work as a whole. Dives of psyche are at once raised up again, whether in the same song, or in the song directly following. It never gets “too” dark, nor “too” light. The listener is kept inert in temporal flux for the duration. Directed by the activity surrounding the mind, this is an excellent work to unwind with after a long or stressful day.
All in all, this is a solid release. Favorites would include Track 3 – And the Day’s Still Sleeping, as well as Track 8 – New Dawn. Something about the softer percussive element entwined with excellent acoustic guitar and vocal work. It’s really a fantastic combination.
RECOMMENDED
Rating: 4.5/5
Written by: Asche
Label: Seventh Crow Records (FR) – Cat. #: SCR003/1 – Format: Cd
Genre: neofolk / ethereal / darkwave
