German experimental ambient duo TROUM, active since the ’90s, return with EmphasYs. The album’s seven drone-oriented tracks result from an unconventional process in which each is structured around a single focal instrument. Nonetheless, the album maintains a unifying sound and feel.
These instruments are electric guitar, cello, accordion, didgeridoo, acoustic guitar, zither, and saxophone. They are used to generate texture and atmosphere rather than melody and harmony. Thus, their output is heavily processed and joined with that of synthesizers and a supporting cast of secondary sources.
While this processing can render the focal instruments largely obscured, some are readily apparent. These include the gritty cello…

You need to be logged in to view the rest of the content. Please .

« »