Krystian Shek - Suddenly (2022)

Line notes by Tim Humphrey:
Krystian Shek's newest full-length album 'Suddenly', is an opus that is as futuristic as it is celestial and tribal. Sweeping melodies rise and soar while rhythms resonate heavily through meaningful and moving chords. It explores spacious atmospheres with brief field recordings and dub laden beats that support a very airy and flighty sounds of rapturous melodies and spiritual offerings. Showcasing seven pieces of futuristic themes, 'Suddenly' these exudes a deft touch with processed production where layers are too many to be counted while remnants of rhythm show themselves more after multiple listens.

Krystian Shek has been releasing music for almost 30 years now and you can find a cornicopia of various styles and genres under his name which shows off his versatility. 'Suddenly', features a few of the genre's he is most known for the past decade in ambient and dub. But again, he finds inspiration in a multitude of other subgenres such as drone, soundtrack, field recording and dub techno. Released on the fantastic Italian label Rohs! Records, this album is sure to stir up an emotional response from everyone who hears it.

'Sunday Morning' opens up the album with and not only set's the mood but introduces you to the space within. Peaceful water ambience which quickly fades after the first chord wash. This track is drenched in dub and melodic elements which crystalize and reverberate throughout the sound spectrum. A euphoric feeling elevates as the track expands into an airy atmosphere of gentle calmness.
The title track 'Suddenly', harkens back to Krystian's trance background with a blissful buildup up and break that sounds like one part Oliver Lieb and one part Wolfgang Voigt. Mesmerizing and groundbreaking, this dub expose is sure to grab people's attention. A unique and successful union not just only of styles but of energy, direction and what is possible breaking through any dub parameters. And if that rack didn't push the boundaries enough for you, then '[Dub]ai' surely will. What starts off with dialogue in the airport with gate flight announcement recordings soon dumps you into an amazing boundless stratosphere with a wicked beat. It doesn't end there as angelic voices echo out to an amazing peak. Truely, a shimmering work by Krystian. One of those early picks for best track on the album from those who have heard the early sessions. 'Probably' builds off that momentum with another heavy and menacing dub bassline that feature some far reaching chords and soaring melody off in the distance. 'Among Them' is a cinematic opera into the future which certainly culls Vangelis-type vibes ala Blade Runner. Coming in at over 9 minutes in length, this epic piece is the backbone of the album's overall feel. A soaring piece of space music that is as moving as it is triumphant. 'Here for you' is perhaps the most moving piece on the album and it is sheer goosebump material. An amazing soundtrack for a post-apocalyptic world who regrets human kind's decisions. A tear jerking and emotional piece that wins over your heart and your ears. Lastly, 'Remained' is a gentle outro
that encapsulates the overall mood of the album. Powerful, visual, imaginative and dynamic. To just categorize this as an ambient or dub album would truly be an understatement. A sonic exploration into dub with a sci-fi storyline might be a bit more accurate description but even that short changes it.
'Suddenly' is a remarkable and life-changing listen. Available on CD and digital with cover artwork featuring an image of the exclusive for this release oil on canvas painting by Brenda Rodriguez.