Dadavistic Orchestra - Dokument.02
Written by Youri Jozee
Ambient - Dadavistic Orchestra, a project by The Black Dog and three former members of experimental outfit Psychick Warriors of Gaia, return with 6 new flows of warm ambient analogica... Full review after the break!
Dadavistic Orchestra's first album, aptly titled Dokument.01 was a study into the dynamics of drone-styled soundscapes and evolving electronica, while incoporating the two group's shared passion for 'Dadaism and all that it inspired'. This new album basically continues with this theme, with 6 tracks that each weigh in at around 11 minutes. If you're familiar with either The Black Dogs' or Psychick Warriors of Gaia's electronica, you'll know that both outfits are on top of their game and that the far majority of their output is among the highest rated around...
Throughout its playtime, Dokument.02 shifts from sinister coldness to soothing electronic warmth with an ever present sense of science fiction thematics cleverly mixed in. Opening track Deep Old Mu is a slowly sweeping ensemble of synth waves, caught on a canvas of ice cold electronic stings and enchanting effects, after which Petrichore takes us even further into arctic depths with another stunning piece of space-themed drone magic. After Teh Meh, Teh Meh and its musical translation of a desolate, post-apocalyptic subway station, the dark clouds are slowly decorated with a silver lining in the form of Unconcerned, But Indifferent, another cinematic approach to ambient. Moreover it is a tune reflecting optimism, although the track does flirt with horror themes near the end. De Kunst: Star Dot Star returns to the sub-aquatics of other worlds across the galaxy with muffled layers of orchestral elements after which De Neerstorting Van De Mening Van De Kathedraal closes the album with a composition that sounds like it's been recorded at a haunted house with the recorder left on after terror has struck. Being fully built from crackling frequencies, pulsating waves and sinister keys in the middle part, this track is definitely the most overwhelming of them all. An incredibly impressive composition that showcases the outfits apparent limitless capabilities.
Our verdict:
Dadavistic Orchestra's Dokument.02 has by all means become a cleverly constructed album that guarantees an intense and highly emotive listening experience. Each track slowly builds towards almost tangible depths without becoming 'epic'. Instead, they crawl under one's skin and slowly work their way up to the brain where they nestle, leaving the listener hypnotized and overwhelmed. And for that, this album is awarded a top rating.
Rating: 9.4/10
Label: Dust Science
Release date: Out Now
You can listen to tracks from the album here.
Tracklist:
1. Deep Old Mu
2. Petrichore
3. Teh Meh, Teh Meh
4. Unconcerned, But Indifferent
5. De Kunst: Star Dot Star
6. De Neerstoring Van De Mening Van De Kathedraal
