“These soundtracks to the exploration of the unknown caress the unfathomable depths of space and time through sound with a haunting, alien dread countering an unshakable sense of reverence.” – About.com
Colony is the the debut full-length from IIVII, the enigmatic intergalactic solo project spearheaded by visual artist, multi-instrumentalist and composer, Josh Graham. Released late this past Summer, with IIVII Graham expands upon his sonic body of work traversing new electronic territory that focuses on the subtle orchestration and manipulation of dense comic-styled atmospheres, rather than the bombastic approach found in his primary band, A Storm Of Light.
In commemoration of its release, today Mxdwn.com offers up the visual accompaniment to fifth movement, “Black Galaxy,” now playing at THIS LOCATION.
Reaping the approval of critics floored by Graham’s exploration of ominous synth soundscapes, Noisey likens the recording to a, “score for a trip into the great black beyond.” Soundframes commends an, “encompassing; trance inducing experience.” Nine Circles notes, “Very rarely can an artist do so much with so little in an effort to create an environment around its listener. Yet, with Colony… Joshua Graham has truly created something memorable. It is ambient electronic droning that guides an audience around the far reaches of our known universe, inciting self-reflection and imagination. It takes patience, as the notes drag on as infinitely as our universe, but it is a perfect supplement to the curiosity behind our own existence that we all have, whether we are aware of it or not.” About.com concurs, “The soundscapes come across moody and beautiful, embodying the desolation, isolation and wonder of space. Song titles reflect these themes such as ‘Shaping Itself From Dust,’ ‘Colliding Horizons’ and ‘On The Shores Of Markarian 335.’ These soundtracks to the exploration of the unknown caress the unfathomable depths of space and time through sound with a haunting, alien dread countering an unshakable sense of reverence.”
Portraying a dilapidated space colony in view of Saturn, the artwork was also completed by Graham, who currently serves as art director to Soundgarden, and has also worked with many bands including Neurosis, Jesu, Shrinebuilder, Sleep, Vattnet Viskar, and Isis. A founding member of Red Sparowes and Battle Of Mice, Graham currently plays in A Storm Of Light, and has made appearances with Jarboe, Blood And Time, Tombs, Syndrome, Fallen Black Deer, and Tribes Of Neurot.
IIVII live shows will fuse guitar, analogue and digital keyboards, cassette loops, and more. Select performances also welcome multi-instrumentalist Will Lindsay to the mix. Lindsay is a longtime collaborator in A Storm Of Light, and his resume includes Indian, Wolves In The Throne Room, Bloodyminded, Lord Mantis, Anatomy Of Habit and more.
Colony is out now on Consouling Sounds digitally, on CD and on vinyl. Order your copy at THIS LOCATION.
http://www.resonantiivii.com
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