ATOMOS VII

A Winged Victory for the Sullen, a merging of the minds of Stars of the Lid’s Adam Wiltzie and renowned composer Dustin O’Halloran, have been making quiet waves in the ambient scene for a few years now. With lush soundscapes and powerful dynamism, AWVFTS recently scored a contemporary dance piece. ‘ATOMOS VII’ is a teaser to the full soundtrack, ATOMOS, coming in the near future.

What this EP may lack in quantity - its two remaining songs being a cut track from their previous work and a reinterpretation by sonic monster Ben Frost - it makes up for in the quality of each piece. ‘ATOMOS VII’ is a slow moving lesson in the dynamics of noise. At times it seems like an orchestra breathing. Resonant strings hum, sing and shimmer with an effortless beauty. This is neo-classical at its peak - not showy with excessive noise, but simple and beautiful.

‘Minuet for a Cheap Piano Number One’ shows us how captivating a single instrument can be. Sounding like the soundtrack to some gorgeous winter sunrise, AWVFTS demonstrate their uncanny ability to produce beauty and intimacy from almost anything. It’s a sheer delight to listen to. The final track brings in Ben Frost to add his drone-heavy touch to the title track. Whilst featuring rougher tones and stuttering loops, it still manages to capture the gentle splendour the duo create.

If you’re a fan of anything ambient, or if you just want something to relax to on a spring day, this EP is a gorgeous example of mellow music making everything in life just that little bit more beautiful. Bring on the full album.