The music of Sybarite, solo project of former Silver Apples multi-instrumentalist/sampler Xian Hawkins, is a tense dramatic mix of steady pulsing beats, instrumental and natural samples, minimalist synthesizers, and airy detached whispers of mysterious phrases. The result is a somber mood of downbeat minimalism, at times resembling the music of electronic composers Brian Eno or John Cage.
Suspenseful violins are balanced by bluesy horns, lightly tapped cymbals, and instrumental samples on the opening track "Secropia." "The Fourth Day" has a dramatic marching pace and layers of eerie female vocals, well suited for a horror movie soundtrack. "Homegrown Cultures" is a continually accelerating mix of soft whistling noises layered over synthesizers and bleeping beats.
Avant-garde elements stand out in "Renzo Piano" with odd piano flourishes, mechanical noises, and bird-like chirping. "Water" is a track of buzzing and gurgling noises with various samples blended with cello, lo-fi synths, and a whispered speech-like vocals. "The Accidental Triumph" mixes soft muted horns with what resembles metallic tuning forks clanging together. "Leap Year" returns to the moody minimalist sound with fast steady beats and thin layers of horns.
"Fresh Kills" adds the warm feminine voice of Jennifer Charles of the Elysian Fields, lending a more emotional feel to the track.
Overall, Nonument is worth a listen for its strangely organic feel and dreamlike use of sounds.
Sybarite Nonument
