Fog. - Basking In It.

The Doldrums (not to be confused with Doldrums), is a solo avant-garde composer from Wilmington, Delaware. Released on February 15th, 2022, Basking In It blended the tribal discordances of Current 93 with the dissonant, ambient jungles of Spring Heel Jack.

The album begins with a cacophony of industrial avant-garde, following an uncomfortable drawn-out sample. Soundscapes are often built around a drawn out, electronically manipulated acoustic sample, framed by incredibly impressive ever-changing synthetics. The formula works best on Every Tree Loses A Branch., a simple song that respectfully explores its twisted, shifting soundscape to the extreme, utilising a simple sample artfully to maximal effect.

What’s most impressive (on the notepad) are the compositions. They somehow feel very cold and empty, while simultaneously free-flowing and dynamic. Dung King, Pure God, for instance, layers so many frequencies into one grand sound that one often forgets there’s a vocal chant clearly in the centre of its major crescendo. Furthermore, sample use is used diligently throughout the remaining album, often to a substantial effect. These samples breathe plenty of life into the soundscapes, relaying memorable moments to grasp while one returns to deconstruct the remaining layers.

Sadly, the final third (Trillions, and the title-track) are lacking compared to the megalithic first two-thirds. Perhaps it’s due to the lack of sample use, or potentially the unnecessarily drawn-out structures; but the last two songs feel gratuitously empty. Some larger samples could have helped sections sound distinct, yet ultimately, they result in wasted potential. Nonetheless, the sound design is still wonderful, albeit pointless to a certain extent.

Basking In It is a truly impressive debut. A stronger finisher would have propelled the album to new heights; nonetheless, it’s a wonderful display of talent. I can’t wait to see what the artist does next.

Great

Listen to it here:

https://fogsound.bandcamp.com/album/basking-in-it

The Doldrums - Basking In It.