ejher - attik

Ejher 

Attik
self-released; 2014

3.7 out of 5

By Ethan Skelton

Ejher manages to make something out of nothing on Attik. The atmospheric minimalism demands a good dose of active listening and doesn’t do much sonically unless played through a well-rounded system. Your standard device speakers drop out way too often especially when the long waves of sound dip low in dynamic. It’s hard to stay afloat on the first half albeit the tracks have individual distinction despite seeming like one long road of ambience. 

The first track called "Sphirex" sounds as if it is a b-side from Aphex Twins selected ambient works, Volume II.  Ejher creates a ominous hum that sounds as if it has originated from a alien planet.  The comparisons to Richard D James  are even more noticeable on "Adloquium" as he combines minimal percussion elements with foggy pads.


The beats really don’t pick up rhythmically until track 11, “Spring AM.” It’s at that point that you get the feeling a corner has been turned. This latter half is more produced and electronic, still balanced with lighter moments and simple tonal phrases.

After the songs run their course, it’s difficult to find standouts or moments that portrayed memorable elements. This album isn’t necessarily geared towards that kind of experience and yet we as listeners latch on to things of that nature and music tends to work best when it attracts the senses in a localized fashion. Not to say this isn’t impactful, but it’s a wash when it comes to researching the music and becoming familiar with a long-winded track list and near identical compositions. I understand this is ambient music for the most part, but it can still be done with more attention to melody, sound production, and volume in this case.

“Tienx” is definitely worth the wait. It moves like a dance song but has the restraint of chilled artistry. There is cloud of nostalgia that settles and releases throughout the album, transcending Attik into a kind of soundtrack for our thoughts. Let it sit and mingle with your mind and soon you’ll find that it becomes a part of your subconscious. That is the most redeeming part of this record. Try it out and enjoy the experience.

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