Slight Nightmare - context

Slight Nightmare

Context
self-released; 2014

3.6 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Slight Nightmare is the experimental ambient project for Nick Bunting. His recent release Context is a cold, tense, sometimes anxiety-ridden collage of soundscapes that bear comparisons to artists such as Tim Hecker and Kevin Drumm to name a few.

Bunting’s music isn’t exactly hard to listen to with those familiar with the darker aspects of ambient music but also isn’t something you will want to pop in during your next meditation session unless you want to have nightmares. That being said there are levels to the dissonant and dark aspects to the music.

“Cut Beasts” starts off with a low octave synth tone slowly fluctuating back and forth. The ominous cloud is immediately apparent and only enhanced by the bending slivers of sound. Harmony couldn't be much farther from the truth with this song. As the song progresses an impending sense of doom intensifies as more elements do little to ease the pain.

“Shell” offers a slight sense of relief even if it’s brief. It starts off rather hypnotic and singular relying on soft pads to create the mood. Things start to take a turn for the “worse” when the music starts to hyperventilate. The end of the song sounds like young birds begging for food on a dark planet.

“Subtle Presence” is arguably the centerpiece of Context. It’s textural and explores an ever-changing soundscape. The transitions are seamless and I felt they were an impressive aspect of Bunting's paint brush. The other highlight was the closer “Next Wave.” It sounds like the primordial soup in which ancient life was born only to spread darkness and strife into the world. Interesting territory he explores here.

Context isn’t for the faint of heart. You have to be in the mood for it and it is hard to listen to with multiple people. That being said I enjoy releases like this that are so far removed from the mainstream the general population will automatically disregard it. It is hard to experience the darker side of art but the fact is that it can just as rewarding as something that makes you feel good.

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