Anatoly Grinberg & Mark Spybey – Crop-Dusting (Digital Album – Ant-Zen)
“Crop-Dusting” marks the fourth collaboration between Anatoly Grinberg and Mark Spybey (Dead Voices On Air). The Russian-British duo returns with a collection of tracks in which they freely experiment without constraints.
The music is complex—at times challenging to grasp, and at other moments surprisingly accessible. The album feels like a form of sonic free-flow, where the artists follow their instincts and let the sound evolve organically. Within this framework, powerful and overwhelming textures emerge, often interwoven with field recordings. Percussive elements are present, though more as atmospheric effects than as rhythmic anchors. Occasional sparse chants appear unexpectedly, adding another layer of depth. At certain points, the sound veers toward the Cinematic genre, with striking string elements that enhance a dark and immersive atmosphere.
Overall, the album is mysterious, difficult to pin down, and firmly rooted in the Experimental realm. It’s not always an easy listen, but it’s a highly commendable work thanks to its global, boundary-pushing approach. (Rating:7).
Listen to “Them Again”:
https://ant-zen.bandcamp.com/track/them-again
I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.
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