Genre/Influences: Experimental, industrial, ambient, cinematographic.
Background/Info: The album “123 m” resulted from the common efforts between Russian artist Anatoly Tokee Grinberg and Mark Spybey (Zoviet France, Dead Voices On Air, Download ao).The album features nine songs.
Content: It’s not an easy job to define the sound of both artists. There clearly is a fascination for sound creation, field recordings and sonic manipulations. It creates a melting pot revealing industrial-, ambient- and experimental music plus a solid cinematographic approach. The composition is moving from bombastic drones to slow rhythms. The sound treatments are alternating monstrous sound effects and refined tones. “123 m” has something anguishing while I also noticed a kind of jazzy inspired cut mixed with lounge elements (cf. “Dub You”).
+ + + : The album has a real strong visual appeal, which is mainly coming through at the cinematic tracks. I recommend listening to “Flood Of Tears”, which is a cool cut in the genre. The visual strength of the work is for sure reinforced by spooky, whispering voices, which are mainly coming through at the debut songs. This work is diversified and clearly sounds as exorcising multiple influences. So next to the already mentioned cinematic part I also like the more industrial-like sound treatments featuring a few monstrous and overwhelming arrangements. “Thusk” is an irresistible track revealing these impressive sound treatments.
– – – : I was less convinced by the experimental passages, but in the end it’s not exactly the essence of this work.
Conclusion: Anatoly Grinberg & Mark Spybey have accomplished a fascinating and very eclectic piece of music, which clearly appeals for a second chapter.
Best songs: “Thusk”, “Timo Clock”, “Flood Of Tears”, “One Eyed Man”.
Rate: (7½)
Artists: www.facebook.com/TokeePaindonor / www.facebook.com/mark.spybey.3
