KNIGY VOZNESENYA I

'Knigy Voznesenya I' - Senmuth (4/10)

A Senmuth project significantly shorter than most, 'Knigy Voznesenya I' seems to be a short bridge between longer albums; an apparent prelude to the full-length work of the same name. Comprised of one very long track and a shorter follow-up, Senmuth takes the opportunity to dive into a style of dark trance music with this one. While there are a few moments here - particularly on the second track - that hold some interest in listening, this EP is a rather uninspired and jagged piece of work, and fails to go anywhere with such a long composition.

Best described as dance music, the first track 'Тексты пирамид' is the obvious main attraction here, taking up two thirds of the EP's length with a dark, fast paced rhythm. The piece certainly takes it's time to develop certain musical ideas. For example, the first eight minutes of the piece can easily be summed up by some industrial background effects and a rapidfire electronic drum track. After that, the music abruptly shifts into a slower section dominated by Senmuth's sludgy guitar work. The entire song can basically be described by one of those categories, and neither musical idea is very interesting, making 'Тексты пирамид' a rather overdrawn and tepid listen.

The second track 'Тексты саркофагов' doesn't leave much of an impression either, but it flows much more smoothly, and makes better use of musical ideas. Reprising the fast electronic pace of the EP's beginning, there's a little more depth to the sound, including some ethnic string sounds and a changing dynamic between dense and lighter sections.

Throwing in some sparse ethnic samples throughout and an energetic pace, the music does give the impression that it could do well as a soundtrack for a cinematic car chase through the streets of some Eastern bloc city. As an independent listen however, 'Knigy Voznesenya I' fails to impress.

Knigy Voznesenya I is an interesting release from prolific Russian one-man act Senmuth. Consisting only of one 20-minute piece and a shorter 7-minute track, Knigy Voznesenya I stands as one of the man's shortest releases to date. It also is certainly among Senmuth's more experimental outings, containing more dissonance and heavy guitar riffs than on most of his albums. I wouldn't place Knigy Voznesenya I among one of Senmuth's best efforts, but it's certainly a solid EP that I've enjoyed hearing.

The music here is unmistakably Senmuth, but with a harder-tinged experimental industrial tinge. Ambient sections are present, but mostly in "Тексты саркофагов". This 7-minute piece is much more melodic (and, in my opinion, more enjoyable) than its near-20 minute predecessor. "Тексты пирамид" is one of the longer Senmuth tracks out there, and focuses mainly on punishing dissonance and dynamics. Unfortunately, it is far too repetitive for my tastes, and I much prefer the more exciting "Тексты саркофагов".

Knigy Voznesenya I is a very flawed release from Senmuth, but it's still occasionally enjoyable. The over-emphasized repetition and lack of human touch can really make this EP seem drastically longer than its mere 27 minute playing time, and that is ultimately what makes Knigy Voznesenya I a fairly mediocre experience. This EP isn't without its assets, however - the spectacular production, careful arrangements, and the strength of "Тексты саркофагов" are all enough to save Knigy Voznesenya I from being considered a poor effort. 2.5 stars are warranted.