Organized chaos from the experimental duo...
19 · 03 · 2025
When you think about improvisation in music, what comes to mind? Jazz musicians casually jamming, or blues artists executing solo after solo over a simple drumbeat? I was thrilled to learn that AMIANGELIKA & 1100 were collaborating, and my excitement intensified upon discovering it would be an improvisational album. In electronic music, improvisation isn't as prevalent as one might hope, particularly compared to experimental genres. However, as I delved into ‘BLCK SUN’, it exceeded my expectations and felt greater than the sum of its parts. The album explores the duality of existence—the light and dark aspects, the order and chaos—and delivers a wealth of organized chaos.
The first thing that strikes you about ‘BLCK SUN’ is its serene, cinematic quality. The music flows at a relaxed pace, undulating smoothly without rushing to any conclusion, and sometimes seemingly avoiding a clear resolution, all while crafting lush, textured soundscapes. On ‘Redemption’, the sound begins with a fuzzy, flexible quality that persists throughout. There’s a swelling sense of pride, yet it never comes across as joyous. Instead, it carries undercurrents of melancholy, reminiscent of the bittersweetness inherent in redemptive journeys—evoking a painful past that is leading to a vibrant present.
‘Radiance’ incorporates vocals through a vocoder, accompanied by subtle synths and electronic elements. Then a sweeping, grand melody emerges, making it one of the most beautiful pieces of music I’ve encountered all year. The vocal textures provide a nice contrast, breaking up the instrumental segments and lending a more human touch to the album—something often lacking in electronic music. At times, electronic albums sound so artificial that it feels like no human was involved beyond simply turning everything on. The addition of vocals serves as a reminder of life’s fragility, echoing the album’s themes of light and dark.
If you enjoy artists like KMRU, Disparition, or Vangelis, this album is likely to become one you’ll deeply appreciate. The tracks seamlessly blend into one another, making it feel less like a 10-track collection and more like a singular, uninterrupted piece of music. I’m curious to see how AMIANGELIKA & 1100 would perform this live—given its improvisational nature, could they recreate it? Would their live performances consist of extended versions of the album tracks or, more intriguingly, feature an hour of new music in a similar style? These questions make ‘BLCK SUN’ a captivating listen.
7/10
Words: Nick Roseblade
—
UK singer-songwriter Billie Marten is set to release her new album, 'Dog Eared,' on July 18th. Recognized for her remarkable and unique voice in the UK music scene, Billie Marten's upcoming album explores
The New Jersey band Gel has disbanded, citing "heinous acts" committed by guitarist Anthony Webster. The group gained recognition for a series of intense performances, which were part of
UK artist Skeete makes a comeback with his latest mixtape, 'Excuse My Language'. He possesses a natural charm, combining a skilled writing ability with a keen sense for
.jpeg)
It’s safe to say that the past few years have been quite a whirlwind for Michelle Zauner, the songwriter behind Japanese Breakfast. Following two albums filled with dreamy
Emerging from enduring friendships, LA's Dutch Interior has been an intriguing presence in the US indie music scene for some time. Their self-directed songwriting
Emerging vocalist Sissy Ford has released her latest single, 'Streets'. At just 22 years old, the songwriter is already capturing the attention of the UK music scene.
When you consider improvisation in music, what comes to mind? Is it jazz musicians casually experimenting, or blues artists continuously performing solos over a steady backdrop?