Invictus Hi-Fi :: Appearance EP (Self Released)

Appearance, a five-piece suite that veers into left-field sound structures, sampling, and roughened beats, is the result of 2024 sessions, in which Invictus Hi-Fi used live remixing techniques influenced by dub sound systems to give music from his albums and singles distinctive new dimensions.

An introspective and unusual instrumental-electronic retreat

Invictus Hi-Fi’s Appearance, set for release January 31, 2025, is a collection of experimental, esoteric, offbeat, and electronic pieces that highlight the week after his second album The Vanishing in May 2024, when IHF live-streamed a series of raw performances straight from his studio in the eastern English countryside. Appearance, a five-piece suite that veers into left-field sound structures, sampling, and roughened beats, is the result of these (previous) sessions, in which IHF used live remixing techniques influenced by dub sound systems to give music from his albums and singles distinctive new dimensions.

With its musique concrète textures and fragmented instrumental forms, “Doggerland Bones (Question of Revolt – 06.05.24)” elicits an abstract air, whilst “Out of Season (Walk into the Sea)” floats by with an ambient atmosphere. The serene fluttering beauty of “@Fault (Message from Cyberspace 10.05.24)” also delivers entangled downtempo strands and emotive pulsars that easily draws us in. Fans of The Future Sound of London will enjoy the cerebral out-of-body soundtrack that “Cra$hing & Cra$hing (Friedman’s Stagflation 10.05.24)” offers, while “Out of Season (Walk into the Sea 06.05.24)” is completely calm until shapeshifting into psychedelic, almost shoegaze layers. As a conclusion, “Time, Burning Over (The Final Cut – 08.05.24)” provides the listener with a ray of hope to strive for with its shimmering instrumental textures and tones overlapping in sweet harmony.

Appearance, overall, is an introspective and unusual instrumental-electronic retreat with apt references to Steve Reich, Brian Eno, Burial, Neutral Milk Hotel, and Boards of Canada.

Appearance is available on Bandcamp.