One 23 minute piece split over a few different movements, Dark Sky Equilibrium manages to evoke feelings of darkness and the macabre all while avoiding the common route of going over the top. The restraint here allows finer sounds and elements (wind, "footsteps," et al) to come through and add extra depth and dimension to the grim electronics that make up the majority of the piece. In addition, by presenting less of the material on a silver platter for the listener, one is forced to listen more deeply and make their own conclusions as to what is happening. And we all know that our mind makes up the worst case scenario every time. And while the attention to the quieter details is excellent, the addition of some violent electronics ups the ante and turns on the terror. Unleashing many tricks from his arsenal, MoonBladder mixes moods and approaches deftly with all the parts coming together seamlessly. The flow of the piece starts with interesting electronics, moves to haunting, somewhat "natural" soundscapes, and finishes with heavy, dark terror. Its growth and progression happens naturally and the overall piece feels very organic.

 

Crucial Blast has been collaborating with Jason Walton for a while now, and their ongoing efforts certainly add to the confidence and comfortability of composition. MoonBladder's Dark Sky Equilibrium shows the artist in full command of their instruments and composition and a label that supports and applauds skillful dives into the dark, sonic abyss. Dark Sky Equilibrium may only be one long track, but its structure and arrangement give the impression of much more and fans of dark music would do very well by picking this one up.