IX - 7302

IX

7302
self-released; 2015

3.8 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

It was only a couple of months ago that we were impressed by System VII by IX. The duo’s latest release 7302 establishes that their first release wasn’t a fluke. 7302 is an eclectic instrumental album that is thematic, dynamic and inventive. The music veers towards the dark side and as I pointed out in my first review I have no problem reiterating that their music is perfect for a science fiction LA noir film that takes place in the year 2532. Here's looking at you inspiring young directors and screenwriters. 

The album opens with “No More Forevers” and has a vibe that feels like a close cousin to “Tubular Bells” by Michael Oldfield. It’s not too often that the opener is the longest track on the album but that's the case with ““No More Forevers.” At almost seven-minutes-long it’s a sprawling track that is a roller coaster ride of lulls and highs. The song more or less is held together by a hypnotic four-note progression that is the backbone of the song. Towards the end of the song it goes into dramatic territory that feels like the climactic, closing sequence.

I really enjoyed the dark, jazzy noir vibe on “Railway Nights” which has vocal parts that sound ghosts from the past. The live drum sound and upright bass was a good aesthetic choice. This is one song that I could imagine someone singing over - someone like Róisín Marie Murphy would be perfect. 

The next track is one of the more experimental tracks that revolve around vocal samples, percussive elements that sound like they are moving backwards, piano and eerie synths. ”Doubt” is all about atmosphere. The song implements impressive long drones that are layered with other pads. “Glass House” has a good amount of energy and is the most dance worthy track of the batch and arguably the most accessible. The minute-and-a-half closer “Nothing” contains dark, psychedelic sounds which make you like you're riding a haunted carousel. 

7302 is another solid collection of textures, tones and sounds that unequivocally needs to be used at the very least in someone’s indie movie. The music does stand on its own so even if the visual stimulus isn’t present I encourage you to take a listen.

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