Thomas Ignatius
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The Helsinki resident and avant-pop wizard Thomas Ignatius brings us tunes in Latin and that are influenced by the ‘80s, and they come with a medieval theme.
“Ex nihilo” starts the record with warm singing, where soft guitar suits the calm melodies, and “De longe de prope” follows with more focus on percussion amid a slight buzzing and playful vocal acrobatics.
Deeper into the listen, “Comites fideles” layers voices amid Eastern influences that thump with a mesmerizing quality, while “Omnis bene” comes with a chanting demeanor as well as strategic mandolin.
Landing near the end, “In germine” carries a distinct dreaminess that unfolds with a heartfelt delivery, and “In flare” exits with meticulous zither that’s brief and memorable.
Your guess is as good as mine as to what to call this kind of music. ‘Dungeon Synth’ and ‘Comfy Synth’ might be close, and Tuomas Palonen, i.e. Thomas Ignatius, handles Casio CZ-101, Yamaha PS-6100, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, zither, mandolin and percussion for the unclassifiable listen.
Travels well with: Waking Dreams- Sliding Lines; Frode Fivel- All You See