the_empath - subroom_message
Slow, hypnotizing, mysterious, stratifying passages („parallel identity”, „beta niobe”, „subroom message”, or a beautiful, slightly melancholic and fragile piece „for a girl”) compiled on an album together with faster, more lively electronic tracks („ishtar terra” or „dancing photons” - a brilliant one, pulsating with internal, flickering light) or those freely combining classical instruments, perfectly matching the industrial sounds (like at one of my faves - „trompetta”) create the soundscape which is as rich as subtle, just as if the author tried to draw the listeners' attention to gentle, faint, transitory moments, instants, impulses rather than to announce something in a flashy manner.
The philosophy of greater sensitivity could be suggested even by the title of the album, however, I think in this case the music speaks for itself: by the use of moderate, frugal means and arrangements which enchant rather than hold an attention in a violent grip, Mike Erkau influences minds very powerfully and invites into the world of impressions, night dreams and gently dispersed light.
Yes, light, because – as for me – it's not a sullen, gloomy album. It rather sounds like star diaries, the glow of a capricious spark, elusive movement or like a ride through an ephemeral, dormant, magical soundscape.
For the final we're given a piece entitled „the sleeper” - most beautiful combination of crystalline, clear, sonorous tones and sophisticated electronics: amazing accent letting the listeners' souls take a deep breath and delve into the dream world.
Exceptional.
