Atra Aeterna :: Vesper EP (Self-Released)

Tranquilized layers of dust and debris transcend time and space, ultimately leaving the listener in bewilderment and appreciating the sonic, synthesized traverse that has eclipsed our senses.

Treated violins sway in the foreground, and delicate piano keys meander to create a calm place to reside in the opening track (“Ascent Trajectory”) from Kingston, Ontario-based Atra Aeterna. The sounds of ascension—and the focus to push into new musical environments—is what this prolific artist achieves on the Vesper 5-track EP. Curious, tangled, moving, and statically fueled atmospheric melodies drift by on “Nimbostratus,” as organic instrumentation coalesce with brittle electronic notes reminiscent of early-era Digitonal recordings. The uplifting “Gemini Corsair” evolves its ambient stream of subconsciousness via surreal drone soundscapes and evaporating water droplets that gently wisp by. As Vesper generates its gravitational pull, tracks like “Daybreak ’79” manage to unearth an emotional, if not solemn soundtrack movement. Closing with “Empyrean Vesper,” Atra Aeterna exits with tranquilized layers of dust and debris that transcend time and space, ultimately leaving the listener in bewilderment and appreciating the sonic, synthesized traverse that has eclipsed our senses.

Vesper is available on Bandcamp.