Facadisms＜Blue Vinyl＞

Inspired by an Italian diner whose name translates to "the American myth," as well as Potemkin villages and an exploration of brutalist architecture, Rafael Anton Irisarris Facadisms is a dark ambient record reflecting the illusion of freedom and the earthly remains after hope has decayed. "Broken Intensification" begins the album like a sooty smog slowly rolling in, with very faint rays of light poking through. "A Little Grace Is Abundance" adds contemplative, slow-moving melodies to the corroded, granular drone. Julia Kents cello playing introduces "Control Your Souls Desire for Freedom," which gradually swells into a breathtaking rhapsody. Other pieces on the album, particularly "Forever Ago Is Now," feature strong, semi-orchestral melodies, though they feel coated by the ashes of burnt-out dreams. The noisy, abstract "Hollow" sounds like a struggle to reconnect with past feelings of joy and optimism. "Red Moon Tide," featuring crackling field recordings and droning synth by KMRU, is a flood of emotion that feels like walking down to the shore, basking in the afterglow, and just being thankful to be alive. ~ Paul Simpson