cyls - ep

CYLS

EP
Deadvox; 2013

4.0 out of 5

By Matt Jensen

Dead Vox, the Switzerland-based label, continues to put out some of the most innovative musicians who push boundaries. One of their latest releases is from CYLS, which is a Germano-Swiss project that consists of Niels Hesse and Cyril Monnard (Monnard is also involved with previous projects such as Sinn/rd and Larkian). On this release, which has five tracks and is simply called “EP” Monnard and Hesse explore dark overtones and subtle variations that are usually accompanied by subsonic kick drums. The worlds they create slowly evolves and devolves over time and the nuances are the most accomplished elements of these songs. You can enjoy these songs passively but to truly appreciate the sounds one should be inclined to concentrate on the music while listening to it on a nice pair of headphones. 

Ironically enough the first track is called “End,” which put rhythms and percussive elements front and center. A looped drum sample buries into subsonic frequencies as the subtle moans and white noise begins to hypnotize the listener. As the song progresses the variations of white noise start to swallow the beat.

”Weirdo” initially sounds like a malfunctioning motherboard from an alien spacecraft. Things start to change. The sounds are way off in the distant but the subsonic frequencies of a kick drum are felt in your stomach. Patterns emerge that feel disconnected yet warm.

“Finally” is arguably the best track on the album. There is a fantastic arpeggiated synth that has a fun, whimsical nature to its path. It scurries along and weaves in and out of pads and percussion. As with the other songs, the song masterfully layers different elements. It also ventures into different directions entirely. 

The last song is done live and is called “Nine.” It fits appropriately with the other songs on the EP and doesn't tread to far from the dark, percussive heavy material.

CYLS EP is an impressive work from the Dead Vox label and should be considered another step in the right direction.

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