Swann & Odette
Kingdoms, 2017
8/10
A project comprised of Gabe Hendricks and Francis Harris, this 2nd album from Aris Kindt places melodies and grooves under a sonically adventurous landscape of effects and layering that defy classification on Swann & Odette.
The title track starts the listen with much ambience as it radiates warmth amid a hazy, cinematic appeal, and “New Gods Of Prudence” follows with a similar approach that integrates sci-fi like texturing in its inviting landscape.
Halfway through, “Seagraves” flows with a light and airy display of meticulous instrumentation, while “A Second Type Of Problem” recruits a more ominous delivery of tension and beauty. “Treatise”, one of the album’s best, then illustrates some percussive like sounds in its dreamy demeanor.
The record closes on 2 very strong tracks, the atmospheric and dense “Hewett Fails To Understand”, and “Motion Rest” exits the listen with a low droning where minor neoclassical ideas are embraced.
A very atypical experience where electronica, shoegaze, noise and classical bits present themselves in very creative ways, while this album may appeal to a very niche audience, those who appreciate it will be enthralled.
Travels well with: Maze & Lindholm- Where The Wolf Has Been Seen; Mnemotechnic- Blinkers