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One of the ways in which experimental music can be thought-provoking is to take a familiar sound source and bend, stretch, twist or mangle it until it achieves a whole new level of expression. Listening to such [...]]]> artist: Cisfinitum
release: Devotio
format: 10″
year of release: 2006
label: Substantia Innominata
duration: 23:49

detailed info: discogs.com

One of the ways in which experimental music can be thought-provoking is to take a familiar sound source and bend, stretch, twist or mangle it until it achieves a whole new level of expression. Listening to such an everyday sound an sich can already be an amazing experience if you listen attentively and with a receptive spirit. But there is something intriguing about hearing a sound actually modified, unlocking sound levels normally only accessible through the imagination.

Here we have Cisfinitum (Evgeny Voronovsky), and on Devotio, his medium is the church bell. While the tolling of bronze is a staple in gothic, ambient, metal, pop, or indeed any genre with a potential for pompousness, it is in itself a modest but extremely rich sound, laden not only with multiple sound layers, but a great many cultural echoes as well. On this EP, though, it serves as the carrier of many musical textures. The deep, reverberating sounds work as underlying drones; the moment where the clapper hits the metal, when looped, becomes a rhythmic base; the tolling itself, clean, echoed, delayed, provides many melodic layers. Together, two intricate and sophisticated soundscapes are crafted, pieces that utilise the possibilities of sound manipulation to nigh perfection. Despite the usage of a single sound source – and a very specific one at that – as the building blocks of these tracks, Voronovsky avoids the pitfall of exaggerated minimalism. The overall sound is always layered, and het is not afraid to add a small touch of different sounds here and there, such as some faint violin or distorted voices.

There’s a bit of many industrial subgenres in here: drones, metal percussion, loops, ambient waves, theat general sense of being caught in an irresistible musical maelstrom. When done right, such elements lend music a ritual and spiritual character that is a unique quality of music only. The ability to take your consciousness to new modes, if only for a short while. In the case of Devotio, it’s all in place: the music, the packaging and cover art, the muddled white vinyl. This is, quite simply, how it’s done.

Reviewed by O.S.

Tracklist:

A. (12:59)
B. (10:50)

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Russian dark ambient project Cisfinitum is a new name for me, as is the Mechanoise label, but this excellent release will surely help me remember them for the future. Tactio was recorded live in the St. Petri Dom [...]]]> artist: Cisfinitum
release: Tactio
format: CD
year of release: 2008
label: Mechanoise
duration: 46:40

detailed info: discogs.com

Russian dark ambient project Cisfinitum is a new name for me, as is the Mechanoise label, but this excellent release will surely help me remember them for the future. Tactio was recorded live in the St. Petri Dom cathedral in Bremen, and although being there must have been an even better experience, this live registration captures a great atmosphere.

Tactio is made up one 45-minute set divided into six movements and a closing outro of applause. It starts off with calm melodic waves, probably created with manipulated violin. Added to this are the usual trappings (effects and sounds) of dark ambient. In the later movements, Evgeny Voronovski, the man behind the project, starts utilising church bells to great effect, creating drones, loops, and melodies. The last movement, finally, twists everything into a brilliant hypnotic rhythm.

All through the album, an abstract, mystical or even religious atmosphere is achieved and combined with skilled presentation and misty sound; the result is marvellous.

This one’s highly recommended to dark ambient and drone enthusiasts. References to artists like Troum, Raison d’Être, and Psychic Space Invasion are certainly not out of place, and who knows, Cisfinitum itself might become a touchstone for the genre in the future.

Reviewed by O.S.

Tracklist:

1. (6:39)
2. (7:58)
3. (5:55)
4. (5:19)
5. (10:19)
6. (9:17)
7. (1:13)