|
With this release, Altus’s music swerves away from his usual “ambient” self: the 48-minute “Symphony for the Sullen” is a completely orchestral work inspired by 20th-century composers. Mike Carss actually composed it in the wake of Donald Trump’s inauguration. As Mike further comments, across nine pieces, its music explores the forces that drive humanity’s darkest behaviours – themes of division, burgeoning animosity, and, most importantly, how fear can control us. It’s a cinematic as well as emotional rollercoaster with quite a lot of dark (under)currents and veils passing by along the way, but traces of hope and for change are still lurking around the corner. I’d say the profound outcome is demanding a deeper understanding of what is going on and happening over and over again in our maddening world. The seventh track, “Hobson’s Choice”, is an orchestral performance of “Artifacts of Distant Memory (Part 2)” from some 20 years ago. Across the many hundreds of songs Mr Carss produced over the decades, there was always something he loved about this particular song, but could never put his finger on it as to why. This rearrangement breathes new life into the original composition, allowing it to finally shine. It has a repetitive motif throughout, which was meant to signify strong memories of our past that always emerge to the surface over the course of our life. In “Hobson’s Choice”, Mike reinterpreted that repeating motif to allude to the illusion of choice, in that whatever we choose never seems to make any difference. Despite a different cup of tea and no ambient at all, “Symphony for the Sullen” is a thoughtful modern-classical electronic work for the senses. |
| Website: altusmusic.bandcamp.com
You can see what reviews I have done of this artist on the Altus artist page. Sonic Immersion © 2026 |
