electronic / experimental / ambient
From the very early beginnings on our motto here at Merchants Of Air has been "exploring the regions of the musical universe". And that is true. We have been reviewing everything from modern classical music to avant garde grindcore and from soothing ambient to blasphemous blackened sludge metal.
Quite often we also dare to cross the borders between music and "what is generally not considered to be music". Experimental music and noise certainly have a place on Merchants Of Air, mainly because sometimes something eeryling breathtaking comes along.
Maximilian Latva is a composer from Helsinki, Finland. With a small modular system, two monosynths, effect pedals and toy instruments Latva produces something that gracefully balances on the edge between experimental ambient and noise music. He calls it "electronic chamber music" and I quite agree with that. However, do not expect a relaxing ambient album, this is something rough with unexpected hooks and twists, in more than one aspect more jazz than ambient.
What sets Maximilian Latva apart from many other producers that appear here is his harsh, often unsettling sound. Opener 'Ajatuksesta Luopuminen' carefully lures you in. This track is interesting. It invites you to continue listening. But then, slowly, the cold harshness fades in. In that aspect 'Alkukuvien Sammuminen' is definitely a highlight on this album, a haunting, lingering piece of electronic noise, void of repetition, melody or rhythm. Merzbow or Krzysztof Penderecki fans will undoubtedly love this.
In all, 'Hrön' is a challenging album, one that is certainly not suited for everyone. It is also quite varied for an experimental album. 'Mitättömyyden Kohtaaminen' might be my personal favorite here, an eerie folk tune thriving on the background of dark drones and soundscapes. I will leave the rest up to you, dear reader. I do recommend checking this out, but only if you are prepared to be surprised, shocked and awed. If so, you will undoubtedly find something unique and satisfying.
Serge
Quite often we also dare to cross the borders between music and "what is generally not considered to be music". Experimental music and noise certainly have a place on Merchants Of Air, mainly because sometimes something eeryling breathtaking comes along.
Maximilian Latva is a composer from Helsinki, Finland. With a small modular system, two monosynths, effect pedals and toy instruments Latva produces something that gracefully balances on the edge between experimental ambient and noise music. He calls it "electronic chamber music" and I quite agree with that. However, do not expect a relaxing ambient album, this is something rough with unexpected hooks and twists, in more than one aspect more jazz than ambient.
What sets Maximilian Latva apart from many other producers that appear here is his harsh, often unsettling sound. Opener 'Ajatuksesta Luopuminen' carefully lures you in. This track is interesting. It invites you to continue listening. But then, slowly, the cold harshness fades in. In that aspect 'Alkukuvien Sammuminen' is definitely a highlight on this album, a haunting, lingering piece of electronic noise, void of repetition, melody or rhythm. Merzbow or Krzysztof Penderecki fans will undoubtedly love this.
In all, 'Hrön' is a challenging album, one that is certainly not suited for everyone. It is also quite varied for an experimental album. 'Mitättömyyden Kohtaaminen' might be my personal favorite here, an eerie folk tune thriving on the background of dark drones and soundscapes. I will leave the rest up to you, dear reader. I do recommend checking this out, but only if you are prepared to be surprised, shocked and awed. If so, you will undoubtedly find something unique and satisfying.
Serge
