Phaeleh - Dark Sky (2025)

Phaeleh's Dark Sky sees Matt Preston further refine his gift for emotional, cinematic electronic music. Since his 2008 debut, he's moved effortlessly between dubstep, garage, electronica and house, but here he leans deep into an introspective, ambient side. The journey begins with 'Moment of Peace', an airy opener with whimsical melodies that recall the interlude magic of Boards of Canada. 'Dark Sky Pt.1' follows, carrying a cinematic nostalgia with a light rhythmic touch, setting a reflective tone. 'Obscura' layers gentle guitar work over soothing electronics and a deep bassline, evoking a warm, memory-soaked atmosphere. 'Fracture' sharpens the mood, diving into IDM territory with skittering beats and field recordings that add texture and motion. 'Velms' feels otherworldly, organic and vast, painting cosmic landscapes with its lush atmospheres. 'Nova' offers a beautiful simplicity -- an airy guitar melody, heavily echoed, that floats weightlessly through space. The album closes with 'Ascend Beyond', an emotional sweep of melody and ambiance, ending the journey on a moving, powerful note. Dark Sky is a graceful, deeply immersive listen, highlighting Phaeleh's continued evolution into one of electronic music's most cinematic voices.