Hellvete - Sint-Denijs (BRR245)

enthralling drones and Cali Kush trichomes!  peace and love to my friends at Humboldt Relief :)

After many revolutions of Sint-Denijs, the second vinyl release from Hellvete - Glen Steenkiste of Sylvester Anfang ii - on Blackest Rainbow, the uplifting sonorous waves of energy suggest one thing:  Be here now.  Over two sides of vinyl, ethereal and buoyant energy brings the listener into the moment. A captivating lp, Sint-Denijs extends a hand of friendship to the listener.  Now, this shouldn't be construed as an indication that this is an ambient or new age release.  If anything, this lp contains a welcoming, spiritual quality.  Beginning with the earliest releases in 2005/06, Hellvete continuously evolves.  Some of the latest releases, including the Crooked Tapes release, reflect the influences of minimalism and folk music from throughout the world.  In this release, Glen realizes the beauty of these sounds by employing harmonium, bowed banjo, electric tampura, and analog synth.  Throughout Sint-Denijs, Glen's prodigious soundscapes bathe the listener in august light.  And, this lp accomplishes that with a focus on subtly changing attributes, such as texture, which enrich the immense sound. Overall, the effect of Sint-Denijs is analogous to copious rays of sunlight endowing the chest with warmth.

As the needle drops, 'C-142' emits a nascent harmonium drone.  The crystalline, sustained tones shower the listener with tranquility.  Concentrated beams of energy allow the listener to watch the breath flower in the moment.  With time, the sustained tones become more robust and the shifting details audible - music that elevates the soul.  On the flip, 'G-356' places the listener in a trance, beginning with loops of electric tampura that permeate the head.  Shortly, the pace increases.  Within a minute, the addition of harmonium and synth proves hypnotic.  At the end, reflections on the beginning manifest as undulations of electric tampura embrace the listener - my favorite track on the lp.        

Sint-Denijs is the fast acting sonic medicine in the Honest Bag healing it.  If today I could do one thing to make a positive difference in the life of a friend, then I would introduce them to Sint-Denijs.  To learn more about Hellvete, read this interview on Decoder.  With a quickly dwindling supply, only 8 copies of the 180 gram frosted clear vinyl remain - the black vinyl is sold out. Before Sint-Denijs goes OOP, purchase a copy directly from Blackest Rainbow.

peace and love, friends :)

Ypotryll - Yellow Smoke (JZK032)

sweet as honey - i dig this smoke from Ypotryll.  peace and love to my friends at Humboldt Relief :)

When I think of yellow smoke, i'm reminded of the tasty accumulation of copious spirit smoke that leads to a tranquil environment.  In the event that the aforementioned does not present itself as attractive, the meditative, multifaceted compositions on this tape will deliver you to the same place.  Yellow Smoke, by Ypotryll on Jozik, is a tape of languorous, expansive, opaque soundscapes that at times nestle comfortably in the head.  Other times, the listener is mesmerized by sustained, potent oscillations or the lovely progression in sound, which is the highlight of side B.  These compositions are not sweeping or ethereal.  Rather, the soft energy it radiates on side A is reflected within and morphs throughout.

  On side A, resonant, sustained tones billow in the haze.  Mysterious and meditative, it's the type of sound that envelops the listener.  Tranquil tones manifest periodically, becoming permanent with each passing breath.  The expansions and contractions are ubiquitous.  Oscillations echo on the periphery.  Shortly, the track transitions to a place dominated by potent, vigorous oscillations and bursts of noise.  The flip is great!  Within a track, this artist is proficient at establishing a sonic atmosphere and subtly modifying its direction.  Side B comes together almost immediately, conjuring images of meditation among trees.  The juxtaposition of the echoing beats, like the ripples in a pond, and gentle sound which glistens in the mist is beautiful! Screeching guitar exists deep in the mix.  Shortly, vocals and multifaceted noise enter the mix.  As the components move simultaneously at a loud volume, it's extremely pleasing to the ears.  Over time the prominence of each part seems to shift.  Meditative drone aligns with the breath prior to opening the eyes.

A great tape from a label that I highly admire and recommend!  Limited to 50 copies, it comes in a soft poly case with a hand-stamped insert.  Jozik and Tomentosa have the goods!

peace and love, friends :)