Eccentricity - Eternal Distance [Minimalist Recs - 2017]Eternal Distance brings together warped & aged ambient matter, microtextural detail, and predominant feeling of haunted out-of-time-ness…like the soundtrack for a time trapped & slowly decaying reality. The release comes in the form of an either a C60, or digital download- it appeared 2017 on Minimalist Recs, which is the recent set more ambient/ experimental label of Sergey Pakhomov, whose behind the excellent Russian wall noise project Train Cemetery, and runs the more ‘wall-noise’ focused Reason Art Label. The physical version of the release comes in suitable lo-fi & minimal looking packaging- the clear shelled tape features a stark black & white label with typewriter-like texts. The sleeve is basically a lined piece of yellow/ light brown paper, with stuck on monochrome artwork & more typewriter-like texts- the front cover features shading layered illustrations of a circle with one small selection clear & white. In physical form is was limted to ten copies, and if you can it’s worth tracking one down, as I think it adds to the whole feel of the releases intentions…almost like a tape found in the ruins of a long dead civilization.
Behind the Eccentricity project is Serbian Nemanja Nikoliæ, who will probably know most for his prolific, though often worthy wall-noise project Dosis Letalis. Eternal Distance, is this projects second physical release, and I must say I was more than a little spell-bound by it…finding myself often listening to the tape on repeat.
The release consists of six tracks in all, and these have running times between just under five & ten minutes. Each track is built around a blend of either wavering vibe like repetitions, slurred electro tones loops, or trapped percussive elements- these are coated with thin layers of snapping, popping, and aged noise detail. Each track follows out a fairly simple & sparse harmonic pattern- but added to this you, of course, have the perfectly conceived atmospherics, in the shape of either brooding & muffled hovers, subtly chilling textural detail or a blend of both of these elements.
And while there are certainly connecting in harmonic themes, and tonal melds repeated though- all of the tracks- each does manage to have its own identity, so along with the clear focuse on detail, there is also thought-out structural composition in place too.
It’s a release that can either be used as effective background ambience or rewarding closer headphone listening- either way it’s a wholly haunting & wholly entrancing experience. I can certainly see the connection to Nemanja wall work, with the use of repetition & sonic detail- yet, of course, this is far more moody & highly atmospheric in it’s unfold. I do hope there is more Eccentricity releases in the pipe-line because I found Eternal Distance most entrancing in it’s haunting & out-time atmopsher..Of course, it’s worth checking out if you enjoy Nemanja other work. But even if you’re not a wall-noise fan, but enjoyed detailed & creepy ambience it's well worth a look too. Roger Batty
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