Yuri Lugovskoy :: Self-Titled (Home Assembly Music)

The collection of tracks compiled for this double album provides an absolute exquisite sense of electronic isolationism. Static, deeply moving winter-like ambiences and textures which progressively rise on the surface with fragile sound undulations, micro-variations and transparent minimal patterns.

[Purchase page] Live artist, sound designer and electronic innovator, Yuri Lugovskoy previously released a magnificent abstract ambient pearl as CDr on Moteer (2010). This first effort introduced Yuri’s great ability to conciliate catchy soundscaping cloudy ambiences, (possible) sample textures with treated organic sounds and unearthly minimalist pads. I was quite fascinated and deeply moved by this first musical essay, so the announcement of a full length release on Home Assembly Music appeared to be a great coming. Not much things have been said about this Ukrainian artist who seems to adopt a relatively ascetic-engaging attitude toward music. Consequently his production is even more personal and does not obey to widespread technical and academic standards in electronic music. The music of Yuri Lugovskoy has something unique, in terms of compositional writing, sound sources and also regarding the whole signature.

The collection of tracks compiled for this double album provides an absolute exquisite sense of electronic isolationism. Static, deeply moving winter-like ambiences and textures which progressively rise on the surface with fragile sound undulations, micro-variations and transparent minimal patterns. Some tracks include slowly evolving repetitive acoustic patterns used as processed loops. The general mood, spleen-like and non-intrusive dimension of the music can remind some of the beautifully harmonious electronic pieces written by William Basinski, Celer, Richard Chartier at their most challenging attempts. Each track is extremely vaporous, wonderfully sonic and resonates beyond time thanks to the presence of truly evocative dronescaping frequencies. The first part of this double release also have the audacious silentful-magnetic aura that surrounds some Günter Müller’s mysteriously isolationist electronic pieces. The second chapter offers intensively emotional and neo-classical ambient pieces in a refined, plaintive and heart-breaking sentimental vein without loosing a tremendous organic sense of experimentation. Some parts reveals some contemplative mystical accents closed to some aerial rockin’ epics from Popol Vuh and blurry autumnal dreaminess of Brian Eno. This chapter reveals much more attention on melodious, timbral sample textures and looping sound figures compared to the frozen almost monophonic staticity of the first chapter.

To sum up things, this self-titled release develops absolutely mind-blowing microtonal sound tapestries for a magically essential listening. Warmly recommended to everyone interested in trance-like picturesque music for the soul. A masterpiece in expressive minimal-dreamy like music. Album of the year.

Yuri Lugovskoy is available on Home Assembly Music. [Purchase page]