RailCourt
A must-have extension of the sound in Foray, with the first and third tracks developing their sound across their long runtimes.
Favorite track: Trails.
Following on from 2015's praised "Foray" LP, berlin-based SUBHEIM releases his new "Trails" EP on Denovali Records. As with any Subheim release, it is important to consider your frame of mind when listening to his music. "Trails" takes the listener on a very personal journey with intent, riding upon an undercurrent of impending necessity. There is simplicity in its design, though the further you delve the more complex it becomes.
"Trails" opens with the sounds of slow-building, wavering and breathy strings. Soon you, the subject to this music, are guided onwards with the support of confident tribal drums, haunting vocals, otherworldly metallic sounds and muted guitars that ring across the plains.
Having arrived at a place of calm, we are next transported in an altogether more sinister direction through the soundscape of Ego. Desert winds and affected vocal samples provide the backdrop for disconcerting harmonies and long sustains, and through the expectant ticking of a regular clock-like beat we are reminded that we have only made it part-way along our journey.
"Sometimes gloomy, and sometimes lush, but always sweeping and atmospheric" – INTRO
"Seductive, emotionally-charged nocturnes" – IGLOO
– Subheim's "Foray" featured on Headphone Commute’s Best of 2015 list
Forsaken Pt.II is an altogether more minimal territory to inhabit. With the instantly recognisable return of its guitar melody and a lilting, dry kick there is, at first, less sense of urgency as we sift through the murkiness of this familiar territory. And so it makes way for John Lemke’s remix of Trails. With a subtle yet noticeable increase in tempo and set to an irregular yet constant techno kick, it wears a furrowed brow, pushing itself forward with confidence and conviction.
Cover photography by Sienna Connor
Artwork and layout by Subheim
Mastered by Lupo at Calyx Berlin
Released and distributed by Denovali Records | denovali.com
Published by Tryad Music | tryadmusic.com
Easily one of my top 3 albums of all time. Beautiful, melodic, expertly made. Cannot sing the praises of this masterwork by Subheim. It's music that when listened will make everyday a good memory. Liiaiira
This is the stuff sci-fi dreams and replicant futures are made of. Lush, high-tech composition of intrigue and awe. Would the perfect soundtrack for the next Deus Ex game. j-ishiro
Disappear into the two shapeshifting epics on the latest from Obelisk Ruins, each twist & turn like feeling your way through a dark maze. Bandcamp New & Notable Jun 5, 2023
Last year I listened to this album so much on Spotify it became my #1 - 5 top listened tracks. I decided it was time to buy. Can't love it enough. mrlamarra