I do not think there are two currently active artists that capture the classic ambient sound, faithful to its inception, with an appropriate tinge of post-industrial darkness than Troum and raison d'étre. The former lean more towards a lighter, delicate sonic purity, while the latter's work is colored with the darkness and malignant sounds of the associated Cold Meat Industries label. This collaboration then seems the perfect setup for these two artists who are similar, but complement each other well in their differences. The result is a largely satisfying collaboration that sounds as it should given the two artists, but occasionally hindered by some duller moments.
The best elements of De Aeris In Sublunaria Influxu are those that most clearly show the two projects both shining through, resulting in a contrast that is never too drastic, but strikes a perfect equilibrium.The all too short opening "Folia" sets the bar high, with the artists pairing light and peaceful electronics with a more unsettling rattling crunch.At only three minutes, it feels like it should go on a bit longer."Atmosphaera" is a similar piece, pairing pure, ghostly tones and a slightly noisy crackle.The second half, however, becomes more focused on the tone.
When the projects bring in more rhythmic components, albeit very subtle, it also results in strong, standout pieces."Oculum Mundi" features a heavily reverberated rhythmic pattern that is mixed with murky, subterranean sounds.With hints of melody shining through the darkness, the piece feels more like raison's than Troum's.The nearly 19 minute "Meditationum" brings so many of these elements together, first from a light electronic opening into sweeps of noise that make for a strong textural counterbalance.Later, a rhythmic pulse is intertwined with a slightly fuzzy, noisy sheen that verges on dissonance but never fully departs from a more peaceful, musical mood.
Other moments, however, are strong but simply do not manage to captivate as effectively."Alio Tempore" is constructed from a combination of deep booms and lighter chimes, acting the foundation that sweeping electronics are layered upon, building to a thicker, richer sound by the conclusion.However, I felt my attention dropping in and out throughout, because there is not a significant amount of variation to be had."Ad Infinitum" is one of the heaviest, darkest moments on the record, but its tension is offset by sounding a bit too much like dark ambient by the numbers, rather than any specific creativity or originality.
Taken as a whole, however, De Aeris In Sublunaria Influxu is a strong collaboration between two artists who have well established their expertise with this style of music.At nearly 70 minutes, it is not all too surprising that an album of this length, and of this style, would have moments where it would drag.Those less intriguing moments are not necessarily bad, they are just a bit too predictable and straightforward.The strong moments definitely eclipse the lesser ones, however, making for a strong collaboration.
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