Genre/Influences: Experimental, Abstract, Ambient.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: Erik Schilke is an American artist who released his debut album “Synthesis”, which is inspired by ‘the interconnected patterns and pathways of nature, and how they help create meaning out of the chaotic process of grief’. The album features nine tracks.

Content: “Synthesis” is a work, which is clearly very Experimental, with elements of Glitch. Erik Schilke injected Ambient atmospheres, which sometimes become pretty Cinematographic. It’s a complex work revealing a balance between totally Experimental structures and some approximate melodic passages. I noticed some piano arrangements and even female chants (samples) emerging on one of the last cuts.

+ + + : Eril Schilke sounds more like a sound architect or surgeon instead of a musician. The fascination for decomposing and recomposing sounds and noises rapidly emerge at the surface and clearly reminding me of some 90s Glitch productions –which was a trademark of Ant-Zen back in time. I like the way the artist tried to get his work more accessible by the addition of some melodic elements or an explicit Cinematographic approach. The work also features subtle arrangements, which especially at “Solastalgia” and “Echo Tear” are worthy of examination.

– – – : It however remains a totally Experimental work, which will probably appeal for a very restricted number of listeners… and there’s nothing wrong with that!

Conclusion: “Synthesis” makes me think of a retro-futuristic production; kind of 90s work transposed into 2021!

Best songs: “Solastalgia”, “Echo Tear”, “Temporal Rush”.

Rate: (6½).

Artist: www.erikschilke.com / www.facebook.com/erikschilkemusic

Label: www.hymen-records.com / www.facebook.com/hymenrecords

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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