(02.06.07) In recent times Hymen Records has been scouting a number of promising IDM talents, starting with Hecq, Ginormous and now comes Nebulo. His debut album Kolia is a mature, accomplished work, remarkable features that can’t be found very often in every other record in this genre.
The crisp crackling rhythm of “Ant” is beautifully accompanied by vanishing strings, the carillon driven “Automnal” surprisingly explodes in a noisy outburst, and “Dr-ill” runs fast with skittering tinny breaks, demonstrating Nebulo’s skills in several electronic music branches. “Darkopale” is particularly amazing too, because of the gigantic tension gathered by the contrast of high pitched strings is suddenly relieved by a huge drone. The following tracks are less striking, but the production standards are kept at the maximum, and just when you’re surrendering to the sound and chilling comes “Nebula” with its rusty industrialized breaks to wake up your senses. The record is closed with a couple of remixes, the first by Alix who rewinds and accelerates clusters of drums over sibilant sinewaves, the other by Ginormous who brings the melodies of “Darkopale” over a creeping, fuzzy and clattering rhythm that fades away and leaves only a handful of piano notes that aptly end Kolia.
Another solid newcomer to watch, this disc nearly overshadows Kattoo’s third solo album released at the same time, and this gives you a hint about Nebulo’s music quality.
Kolia is out now on Hymen.