Taking a glimpse into the post-classical world, you never know what you’ll be able to find. It’s hard to truly articulate yourself in a heavily saturated environment that stems with inspirations dating centuries ago. Jessica Moss does a great job bringing the modern minimalist take and fusing it together with atmosphere and drone to create the eerie Phosphenes.
Splitting the album into two thematically different sides, Phosphenes takes the listener on a transcendental journey through darkened waters and tension. Truly embracing the atmosphere minimalism brings, it reflects an image that is akin to a fantasy soundtrack. It does a stellar job at managing how much is needed to convey their emotive message. With an overall quiet-leveled dynamic, it wants to immerse the listener in through this 41 minute adventure, and with that, it does a fine job acheving that objective.
Side one of the album takes place in the three-movement “Contemplation”. The trilogy as a whole is worthy of a walk-in-the-park of its own. The three-piece is a sombre melody, making mesmerizing use of its minor intervals. In accompaniment with the quiet dynamic, it allows the timbre of the legato-strung violins to become shaky, creating a tense texture and absorbing the dark theme of the piece.
“Contemplation I” is enticing due to its simplistic opening that gradually begins to build. It captures the listener, alternating between dotted notes and rests, before layering different voices that create stepping stones throughout. From the droning of the bass to the violin harmony, each component has an effective purpose.
“Contemplation II” acts as a stand-alone between the trilogy, seemingly utilizing dissonant minor 2nds in the form of double stops. As it progresses through, overtone melodies begin to conflict creating an erratic texture and unease. The clashing of voices however do give the piece character and colour, creating anxiety and longing.
“Contemplation III” has a more estranged and ethereal feel in contrast to the previous two. Its legato-fashioned playing along with added harmony incorporates a meditative and reflective environment. It solidifies the finality of this half with a mellow and entrancing finish, stringing together ties and definitiveness.
Side two of the album takes form in three seemingly different tracks with “Let Down”, “Distortion Harbour”, and “Memorizing and Forgetting”. In contrast of side one displaying contemplation, side two seems to display mystery. Through its use of droning bass and staccato-plucked measures, it swallows the listener in the unknown.
“Let Down” starts off strong with its initial sense of mystery. With vibrato-laced violins heavily thrusted into the foreground, it shrouds the back-half of Phosphenes in a thick fog. Making use of a multitude of crescendos and decrescendos, it pulls in the listener and immerses themselves into this atmospheric and ambient piece.
“Distortion Harbour” delivers in what is almost to be expected of it. Synths seem to be the main focus, as a four tone melody in the form of a droning synth sets the mood. Ambient guitar and a violin-driven closer aid with the delivery of this thematic piece, however they do not deter from its focus. Heavily drowning itself in its background, it almost creates a feeling of hollow and emptiness.
“Memorizing and Forgetting” is an ironically unforgettable closer for this album. It introduces itself in a luminously beautiful way, incorporating one of the only piano driven voices in Phosphenes. Working in tangent with the violin lead, it creates wondrous harmony that can be compared to reaching the summit of a mountain. Even in its simplicity, rarely straying off its initial octave, it evokes both sorrow and yearning. The only downside I will give this track is that the added vocal chants on top of the instrumental do not feel necessary and are slightly off-putting.
Phosphenes does a thought-provoking job at conveying contrasting themes in the form of darkness and emptiness versus anxiety and yearning. In its minimalistic efforts, it makes for a pleasant listen for either a session of self-reflection or meditation. Overall, it is a solid representation of post-classical and atmospheric music, and is deserving of an isolated playthrough.
Phosphenes is available via Constellation Records and digital streaming platforms on Friday, November 19th.
7.5/10