Down From The Sky
Contrary to his earlier release this year, our friend Ihsahn brings us a lighter and brighter offering. Not so much hurtling earthwards but descending gracefully we are ‘Losing Altitude’ but that’s okay there is enough of a soft landing here for everyone. The single ‘Spectre At The Feast’ is very arty and atmospheric, touching on prog-rock vibes, floating away into the distance and that riff at 3.15, neatly reminds us we are not too far from home. It can be divisive for artists to show a variety of talents and disciplines, Ihsahn is quite comfortable on the road less travelled. The title track ‘Pharos’ offers some ominous vocalising at 2.04 giving an enigmatic feel and perspective.
Our crepuscular count tackles two covers, the first is ‘Roads’ by Portishead and the other is ‘Manhattan Skyline by A-Ha ( don’t laugh), that old adage ‘don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it’ springs to mind. this version features a guest appearance by Einar Solberg of Leprous. There is a shimmery, soul stirring diaphanous aspect, reflecting light into all corners of your existence, it is not what I was expecting, but it’s refreshing and velvety, silky smooth. We see a fuller picture being able to compare and contrast the two releases, almost like musical feng-shui, with the yin and the yang.
Some would say it’s quite an obscure record, but then again, all the mad ones are the best.
Ihsahn – Pharos EP out September 11th via Candlelight Records