**Edition of 200 on 180 g vinyl with a hand-made silkcreened cover** Relict records steps into the game with The Gloaming, the full length debut LP by composer Chris Berkes. The Gloaming is the consequence of intensive reflection on the expressive potential of sound based structures. The result culminates in potent electro-acoustic compositions that form a complex and visceral narrative of arresting nature. relief draws from the tradition of Musique concrète but translates it into a contemporary context, where organic source material is combined with modular synthesizers along with precise electronic processing techniques that blur the line between synthetic and natural sound sources. This complex sound palette builds a rich vocabulary, formulating a vivd and highly dynamic sonic narrative, in which sounds function as ontological signifiers that unravel alternate layers of reality.
Comprised of 4 movements spanning around forty minutes, The Gloaming builds an intricate assemblage of interconnected arrangements. The opening sequence A Chain of Worlds throws the listener into a chaotic but tangibly detailed storm of electronic swirls, rumbling mechanical clusters and ghostly voices, followed by scenes that highlight the compositional concern for transformation and timing, where every placed element functions as a dramatic catalyst. Chanting voices combined with heavy bass drops accentuate an existential agony, which finds its climax in the haunting choral drones of Tenebrae that are contrasted by an austere and densely layered industrial-like environment.
Transitioning from the dystopian atmosphere of before, Vom Grund takes the listener into a more ethereal environment, in which nature oriented motifs begin to take a prominent role. Meticulous sculpting of sonic entities and sudden, disorientating spatial shifts into different sceneries trace a journey through a darkly cinematic landscape, leading into ecstatic ephemeral drones which become disrupted by disembodied vocal particles that evoke the dissolution of the difference between internal and external worlds. Lascaire is the almost psychedelic conclusion of the record. It continues the sonic animism with suggestive images of enchanted woods filled with animal sounds, creaks and elusive whispers that lead towards the cathartic conclusion of The Gloaming’s immersive sound world.
The record was mastered by benmiller and features original artwork by Lotte Meret.
