“There must be something in the water” could be the alternate name for this release. Puns aside, I think it to be pretty apt. Kateryna Zavoloka encompasses 2 years of research into how differing states of water can be translated in the sonic spectrum, using low frequency to represent depth, and traditional Ukrainian vocals to represent the surface. Don’t let this description fool you though; there’s something lurking under the surface……..
The excellently titled “Splendent Viscid Fluid” begins proceedings slowly, glittering electric piano keys tinkling over choir vocals, before lethal bass tones drop ominously into a stomping beat which wouldn’t be out of place on a Bjork release. Vocals echo in and out in a delayed call and response, as synth keys jab and prod like a pair of young boxers. “Vivid Chains” gives you about a minute to take a breath, before dropping straight into the opening battle scene from Terminator 2. Although what i described in the opening paragraph might make this sound like relaxed listening, I was pleasantly stunned at how sonically aggressive this release is. “We Drank Water on Vehement Shore of a Bright Life”, while being a mouthful of a title, is easily the more contemplative of pieces thus far. Glacial synth pads wind over more restrained bass chords and distorted beats. “Verdana Is Lead by Her Will” is for the most part beatless, save for 1-2 minutes or grind before it abruptly gives way to reflective floating chords. “Aureole of Momentous Splash” gallops straight from the gate, holding pace its entire length. Traditional vocal lines call over rapid fire percussive hits, and in my mind it sounds like the soundtrack to a helicopter ride of a South African safari. A short intermission ensues before the engines start and we take off again. The gristly buzz of “Crystal” could be taken straight from an Autechre release, with its rattling glitch and flowing pads. Closing with “Moment of Serenity Flows”, while not quite being totally serene, is easily the gentlest of pieces contained, and bring the edition to an excellent conclusion.
A quote from the enclosed press release contains a line which reads: “Verdana flows, melts, drips, crashes”. Which sums up this release in 5 short words. Encased within a hexagonal shaped digipak emblazoned with a glitter snowflake shaped water crystal, this edition truly delivers in all aspects. Something in the water indeed. Highly recommended.
Nick Giles
