Composer Monty Adkins is back as his alter-ego, Skrika. Vyeltyra Vortex is a pulsing, cinematic piece of sound art that tells a story through synth and acousmatic samples. That high-level description is generic enough, but Adkins takes things in quirky directions with his incorporation of organic and watery sounds, as well as majestic synth that floats and dives over the samples and processed noise. Not to mention that his writing, while deemphasizing melody, is cogent enough to support the aforementioned storytelling.
Given the sci-fi / horror nature of this work, it is not surprising that the synth lines include generous use of sweeps across pitches and channels. The tones are often slightly overdriven, giving them a gritty feel. These are coupled with fast attack / decay patterns that sound strangely like the movement of insects (indeed, Adkins’ use of these clicking patterns evokes modern horror fare). All of this is accompanied by staggered percussion, vocalizations, distorted elements, and drones.
While there are many, many artists putting out great work in the experimental ambient field, Adkins is a next-level talent. His compositions are dense and busy while remaining atmospheric. There is a certain logic to these pieces that recognizes yet eschews minimalism. As a consequence, use of the term “ambient” here is a rough analog at best. While sharing many characteristics with that broad genre, the works on Vyeltyra Vortex are active and occasionally exhibit startling dynamics.
Thumbs way up, of course.
Avant Music News 