Nital Etch – Simulacrum (Album – No Part Of It)
Genre/Influences: Experimental, Dark-Ambient, Cinematographic.
Format: Digital, CDR.
Background/Info: Nital Etch is a solo-project driven by American artist Kevin Lewis. “Simulacrum” is his debut work released by No Part Of It and featuring thirteen songs.
Content: Thirteen songs, that’s an interesting number as 13 is often linked as omen for disaster. And that’s precisely what the global atmosphere of this production reflects; a strong visual appeal accentuated by typical soundtrack sounds and arrangements. Cello-like sounds are accentuating the state of darkness while the production has mainly been accomplished by a fusion of field recordings and electronic manipulations. You here and there will notice spoken like vocals creating a true ghost-like effect.
+ + + : Nital Etch has accomplished a great mix between different influences. In the end it’s more Cinematographic, like the right soundtrack for a horror movie. I especially like these sounds reminding me of a cello (it could be a sampled cello, who knows). The visual appeal emerging from some cuts gives something extra to the work.
– – – : The album is maybe missing a total apotheosis although it sometimes comes pretty close of it.
Conclusion: “Simulacrum” is a dark and tormented production that will for sure appeal to lovers of Dark-Ambient and Horror-like movies.
Best songs: “Solitude”, “You Poor Thing”, “Outro”, “Glass Tube Roses (Excerpt Three)”.
Rate: (8).
Label: www.nopartofit.com / www.facebook.com/nopartofit
About Nital Etch
Nital Etch is the solo project of American artist Kevin Lewis. “Simulacrum” is his debut release, issued via NO PART OF IT in December 2020; Lewis went on to contribute to the label’s “Eschatology” compilation in 2021.
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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.
