Genre/Influences: Cinematographic, Experimental.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Dave Bessell and Bakis Sirros (Parallel Worlds) have rejoined hands again unleashing their third collaborative work. 

Content: “Phosphenes” invites the listener to join an explicit cinematographic sound universe. Wafting, analogue Electronic sounds and effects have been merged with psychedelic guitar playing. The songs are carried by slow rhythms, but you’ll also notice some harder, bombastic passages. The dreamy side of “Phosphenes” is sometimes interrupted by darker atmospheres.  

+ + + : Both artists have found a perfect harmony in their way of working; Bakis Sirros is mainly taking care of the rhythmic and Dave Bessell is adding guitar and electronics. The Cinematographic influence never has been that explicit so this album is perfectly suited to accompany visual performances. The slow cadence makes the work more accessible. I have a preference for the darker passages, but also for the more bombastic side emerging at “Empire” while there’s also something to say about the Psychedelic touch revealed on “Mindgames”.

– – – : Both artists move on exploring sonic paths, which progressively became more Cinematographic-like. I honestly miss the more IDM approach from the previous album “Dystopia”.

Conclusion: If you would transpose a dream into music, you better listen to “Phosphenes”.

Best songs: “Dream Creator”, “Mindgames”, “Empire”.

Rate: (7).

Artists: www.facebook.com/dbessell / www.parallel-worlds-music.com / www.facebook.com/parallelworldsmusic

Label: www.din.org.uk / www.facebook.com/theianboddy

About Dave Bessell & Parallel Worlds

“Phosphenes” is the third collaborative album between English musician Dave Bessell and Bakis Sirros’ Parallel Worlds project on the DiN label, following “Morphogenic” (DiN41, 2012) and “Dystopia” (DiN, 2018). Bessell, also known for his work with the synth quartet Node, contributes guitar and analogue and modular synthesizers alongside Sirros’ Eurorack and Serge modular systems.

The eight tracks were composed, arranged and produced together between November 2019 and July 2020, and mastered by Bessell. “Phosphenes” was released by DiN on 15 January 2021.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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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