drone / ambient
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Some of the finest moments in my career as a concert goer have been the "Antwerp Ambient" festivals. On these, I've seen several artists, including more than one incarnation of Dirk Serries' immense oeuvre. The man is a legend in Belgium and in the world of drone ambient as a whole. His many projects have always been favorites of mine, whether it was Fear Falls Burning, Vidna Obmana, Yodok III, Kodian Trio or the one I'm reviewing now, Microphonics.
I'll start with the bad news. 'Microphonics XXVI-XXX - Resolution Heart' is a farewell to this series of releases for Tonefloat Records. Like many musicians, Dirk Serries tends to move on, explore other paths, evolve. Of course, I can only applaud evolution. It keeps the music alive and vibrant but it is too bad that we'll never be able to experience it live again (*). The good news is, we will be able to listen to this (and his other records) for a long time.
This album is a magnificent testament to this project, one that has Serries distinct sound signature all over it. Like most compositions, the album starts out silently, with the drones and soundscapes gradually growing. But once they're there, the whole thing opens up in perfect Microphonics tradition. Mere minutes into the opener 'XXVI Epiphany And Isolation' this thing breathes blissful ambient landscapes and I'm back in that comfortable chair where I first heard this project.
The calm warmth of the opener starts alternating in 'XXIX I Communicate Silence'. This track feels somewhat harsher and colder, showcasing a gloomy and eerie atmosphere. 'XXVII Swept To The Skye' seems to continue that atmosphere, driving on Fender Rhodes soundscapes and deep, pulsating drones. By now, I'm pretty much startled by how much variation there can be in a drone/ambient album while the general song structures are basically similar. I'm also convinced that this is another masterpiece and another highlight in Dirk Serries impressive oeuvre.
'XXX The Deprivation Of Heart' closes this final statement in style, perhaps a bit more minimal and traditional ambient-like than the other tracks. It's the so-called swansong for a project that has been a constant throughout my adventures in ambient music. Yet, I'm sure I will not be the only one who will keep on playing this album, as well as the other Microphonics releases. Of course this comes highly recommended to all fans of ambient and drone. Even more so, it's a must-have.
Serge
(*) Dirk Serries officially present the album with a one-off release show at the beautiful De Singer, in Rijkevorsel on 19 November. Click here for more info
I'll start with the bad news. 'Microphonics XXVI-XXX - Resolution Heart' is a farewell to this series of releases for Tonefloat Records. Like many musicians, Dirk Serries tends to move on, explore other paths, evolve. Of course, I can only applaud evolution. It keeps the music alive and vibrant but it is too bad that we'll never be able to experience it live again (*). The good news is, we will be able to listen to this (and his other records) for a long time.
This album is a magnificent testament to this project, one that has Serries distinct sound signature all over it. Like most compositions, the album starts out silently, with the drones and soundscapes gradually growing. But once they're there, the whole thing opens up in perfect Microphonics tradition. Mere minutes into the opener 'XXVI Epiphany And Isolation' this thing breathes blissful ambient landscapes and I'm back in that comfortable chair where I first heard this project.
The calm warmth of the opener starts alternating in 'XXIX I Communicate Silence'. This track feels somewhat harsher and colder, showcasing a gloomy and eerie atmosphere. 'XXVII Swept To The Skye' seems to continue that atmosphere, driving on Fender Rhodes soundscapes and deep, pulsating drones. By now, I'm pretty much startled by how much variation there can be in a drone/ambient album while the general song structures are basically similar. I'm also convinced that this is another masterpiece and another highlight in Dirk Serries impressive oeuvre.
'XXX The Deprivation Of Heart' closes this final statement in style, perhaps a bit more minimal and traditional ambient-like than the other tracks. It's the so-called swansong for a project that has been a constant throughout my adventures in ambient music. Yet, I'm sure I will not be the only one who will keep on playing this album, as well as the other Microphonics releases. Of course this comes highly recommended to all fans of ambient and drone. Even more so, it's a must-have.
Serge
(*) Dirk Serries officially present the album with a one-off release show at the beautiful De Singer, in Rijkevorsel on 19 November. Click here for more info
