The elusive Blackpool based ambient / pop artist known as Invisible Elephant as returned for another collection of intensively chilled tunes!
The album is based around a sleep cycle and has a very hazy and dreamy feel throughout. There is a great mix of extremely chilled out vibes to the extent that it makes Sigur Ros look anxious. At the same time there are some loud bursts of energetic rage. According to the linear notes, much of the album was recorded on a first take basis with little preparation or even writing, allowing the music to evolve. This works brilliantly for the dream like intention of the album as it allows the music to drift along taking any and every form as it goes. On top of this the acoustic sounds mixed with the hazy backdrop gives off a great earthy atmosphere.
The opening track, Drift, gives off the feeling of going to sleep. There is the soft drafting moments with loud raging noises thrown in before finally drifting back. From the bottom of a well sees the sound go softer and deeper with a relaxed dreamy feel. The background echoing vocals add to the dreamy feel. Slow wave is a soft and slow offering. There is a minimalist sound with the gaps been filled with a hazy windy sound. On top of this are some slight vocals, pushed all the way to the back of the sound they create a mysterious and intriguing feel.
Fugue state sees the nightmares start to creep in. Starting with unnerving industrial sound the song plods along in a rough fashion. Never there is a soft ambient piece that glides about taking as long as it pleases to reach anywhere. The result is a mighty relaxing and calming soundscape. Towards the end the song picks up and builds into a massive ball of industrial distortion before calming down again.
The album closes with the lovely sounds of Two moons. Acting as the “waking up” song, it has the clearest and most conventional offering up a beautiful duet with Maryliz Guillemi backed with a nice acoustic guitar.
This is very much the sort of album you want to sit back relax and let the music take you wherever it choose. The various vibes combines with the impromptu style creates an unpredictable journey that doesn’t grow tired. At the same time the dreamy, ambient feel allows for a chilled and relaxing time!
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Check out Invisible Elephant’s website to find out more!
