VORKOMA

Igor is a one man band who plays music similar to other math rock I have heard. Instrumental throughout, no drums, and very well played from beginning to end. Relaxing, tranquil, peaceful and sounds uncannily similar to Godspeed You! Black Emperor which is a definite influence in the music.

1. They're all shot this winter (6:12) Beautiful guitar begins this piece, slowly building with patient ambience. Serene waves of sound broken by sudden blasts of shrilly guitar with jagged rhythms and metrical patterns. Minimalist approach at times with a lonely guitar plucking gently in the silence.

2. Three Tired Hands (4:00) This has a quirky rhythm 'click' effect that echoes while a western guitar twangs out of sync. A very off kilter and effective approach to the music and very atmospheric. Reminds me of the music from a Tarantino film, a western genre, and highly evocative and pleasant. For me this music was inciting images of a plain desert and a man wandering aimlessly as the sun beats down.

3. As Fresh as the Air of the Night (4:06) A strong bass line begins this and the influences of Godspeed You! Black Emperor shine through. Probably not as meandering and subtle as that band but still as effective. Music to tune into on headphones. The swirling seascape sounds are overlayed with the off kilter rhythmic guitar tones. It feels like a night atmosphere and as if something is creeping slowly towards someone. The rhythm gains momentum and becomes estranged until it locks into a strange metrical pattern. There are no drums on this track again unnecessary. The ending is very creepy.

4. Everyday I set my Gaze towards the East waiting for the Sun (6:38) Terrific title for a track. A violin sound begins this track. Perhaps inspired by GYBE's East Hastings, though not as good as Godspeed You! Black Emperor's track. This one sounds most like Godspeed You! Black Emperor of all tracks as it feels very minimalist and shrouded in mystique. The creepy sound is ethereal due to the use of plucking strings out of sync with low bell tones. Sounds like a horror movie soundtrack but never overbearing. Some sections are ambient and others are unsettling. The low drones and low fi instruments are balanced beautifully to create the sense of isolation.

In summary, there is a collection of ominous, foreboding unsettling music in sections and yet it is restful in other places with heavy influences of Godspeed You! Black Emperor. Very funereal and bleak at times, while there are moments of bliss and serenity. Close your eyes, turn up the headphones and let the music transport you to another place.