Tony Young (aka Autoclav1.1) has a very unique method of manipulating dramatic exchanges in order to portray action sequence within his music. His work to date exhibits a unique series of dramatic orchestral compositions, set alongside elements of rock and electronica. Understated, surreal, otherworldly sometimes calm, with contradictions of rhythmic noise that sets a cinematic brilliance.
[Release page] Embrace on Departure is his sixth studio album; a dark presence, and one that wants to be alternative and out of the ordinary—call it what you will. The result is daring and extravagant, with the lighter flashes and more experimental droplets added at a leisurely pace. As ever, there are some wonderfully striking piano lines that remain prominent throughout. It’s a special combination of sound that leads itself away from any form of commercial cliché.
Continuing to push boundaries it bathes in diversity. The gentle otherworldly expanses are surrendered so tenderly to the beautiful classical pianos, all of which ring and chime, before it’s morphed with strong beats that add unbreakable structure—”Today is the Day” is a steady forward pulse of enigmatic energy, enlightened with bright swatches of the piano which punctuates throughout. The backing adds sufficient drama—twists of busied dance regime but articulated within the realm of well thought out melodic embellishments. “Three Hours” takes on beat work that is surrounded in melodic trance but manages to allow its imagination to develop, finding its way out of those immense dark shades into clearer imagery that moves and fits around its suggestive manipulative twists. Continuing with a digital maze of cause and effect is “Foolishly Sentimental.” It shoots beats with mechanical like exchanges, heavily contrasted, industrial and deeply searching for its digital fuse of electricity driven web. Arcs of static are enclosed within the bubble of perfect harmony alongside endless interaction.
Haunting introductions are no surprise here and “Inhale/Exhale” is exactly that—creating its own dramatic irony in a sense before it settles into its own more defined character, which is less complex. In contrast “Scars” is a bright opening—a hint of torment only for a second before it delves into a modern twist think rock driven vocals with a definite element of menace and a healthy drive of rhythm. To add even more candid experiments—”Tick Tock” flaunts interesting switches in key.
It is apparent that the theme will always lend itself to deep atmospheres and greyscale, and that is no bad thing. “Nine” is exactly that, with a progression that is provocative, suggestive and laced with intent—gentle, but moving a long way in time. It utilises a gentle tuneful glow that beckons you to follow.
This latest release gives us a vast plethora of sounds—etched in charcoal and taking full advantage of the worked in shadows and quiet contrasts that emerge in the form of melodic glow, allowing us the appreciation of that gentle activity building within each picture. It is an art form that rises from its own pre-empted depth as defined within its own electronic canvas, meaning that while it manages to become a wonderful mood piece, it also embraces the dance floor. Understated, surreal, otherworldly sometimes calm, with contradictions of rhythmic noise that sets a cinematic brilliance.
Embrace on Departure is available on Tympanik Audio. [Release page]
