“…Taking the listener on a pleasant trip through time and space, Skytree effortlessly derails preconceived IDM formulas and instead offers a fluid and instrumental approach that is encapsulating and fulfilling…”
Skytree creates vast soundscapes begging to be explored. With the fourth LP, Hyphae, Skytree is perfecting the craft of pure ambience and you simply cannot help but imagine an open vista as you listen to the album. As a whole, Hyphae feels organic, as if it was something to be stumbled upon in nature. Bubbling percussive outbursts combined with multiple textures creates for a full feeling as Hyphae unfolds. Every symphonic piece on this beautifully laid out digipak is filled with an influx of majestic elements; even the artwork graciously unveils layers of natural wonder and awe.
“Morel” starts off sampling a bird’s song and transitions gracefully into a quick punching drum machine. Twittering birds are slowly brought in and out of the song to keep pace. “Ice Age Trail” is compact and to the point; its ephemeral nature lends itself to be desired even further. Plucking guitars drive songs at just the correct time to keep things interesting. Skytree is at his prime when you arrive upon “Chequamegon.” Off on the horizon, gentle plucking is contrasted with a burning synth to create a game of tug of war. The struggle is further encapsulated with the echoing of a howling animal to close the song. Two remixes are added at the end of the album and at the risk of sounding cliche, they do not live up to the standard Skytree has previously set forth. Mrs. Jynx does set the tone correctly and captures a haunting sound, however, it only slightly elevates the original, and after the first few minutes it aspires to be further developed. That being said, Mrs. Jynx does manage to leave a lasting impression. Coppice Halifax’s closing Milkwhite Rebuild remix of “Hearth” delivers a calming atmospheric drift as it deconstructs with a constant back beat weaving its way through until it spirals to a graceful end.
Seamless is the perfect word to sum up this triumphant release for Boltfish Recordings. From start to finish, intricate organic blending moves the listener on a vast journey. It isn’t until the record closes that you realize thirteen songs have just floated by ever so gently. Taking the listener on a pleasant trip through time and space, Skytree effortlessly derails preconceived IDM formulas and instead offers a fluid and instrumental approach that is encapsulating and fulfilling.
Hyphae is out now on Boltfish.
