Distancer
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
The London based, British-Iranian artist Hiatus returns with another batch of beat heavy and meticulous produced tracks, where a poetic quality enters his electronic-pop prowess that’s as exciting as ever on Distancer.
The title track leads with soulful, soothing electro-pop that’s beat friendly and recruits subtle but effective synth, and “Arrival” follows with warm storytelling from Eva Scarlett Wang against a light and dreamy backdrop.
Further along, “Realism” floats gently amid plenty of creative atmosphere, while “Shadowless” brings in Malahat for a precisely layered, club soundtrack where wordless vocals flow alongside ambience and viola from Nick Murray. “People In Buildings”, an extremely well done track, then glides with a hypnotic, sophisticated and contagious energy where kamancheh from Faraz Eshghi Sahraei won’t go unappreciated.
Deeper still, “Mercy” offers a busy and dynamic display of melody, fuzz and electronic manipulation, not too mention proficient electric guitar from Matt Falloon, and “Human”, which features Bahram Shahrad (the father of Hiatus), whose raspy spoken word leaves an indelible mark on the fascinating finish.
Undoubtedly his most Iranian record to date, thanks to his recent friendship and collaboration with Faraz Eshgi Sahraei and his wife, Malahat, Hiatus shifts his tone from melancholy to awe and hope, much of which is fueled by Hiatus’ life experience that he parlays into exception art here.
Travels well with: Wassailer- I, The Bastard; Still Corners- The Last Exit