Antonymes meets The Slow Dancing Society - We Dont Look Back For Very Long | Hidden Shoal

Ian Hazeldine's work under the guise of Antonymes is no stranger to us, nor is Australian imprint Hidden Shoal. The Slow Dancing Society however were new to me, and in hearing this EP have left me wondering what has taken me so long to hear their work. In actual fact 'We Don't Look Back For Very Long' is a reworking of four (it does seem to be the magic number for releases at the moment) tracks each from one of Slow Dancing Society's four albums.  Combining the post-rock sensibilities of The Slow Dancing Society with Hazeldine's mastery of ambient atmospherics and minimal piano, the resulting work is a stunning set of moving pieces.

The first half of 'The Grey Sea and the Long Black Land' emits brighter-than-the-sun ambience which builds to surround us before echoing piano chords punctuate the echoing mist. Similar to the sound of Sigur Rós' debut Ágætis byrjun (1999) and carrying the same level of heart-grabbing emotion, the contemplative mood is beautifully rendered, and produced with an elegant maturity.  'As If Viewed From a Distance' continues in the same vein, exploring deeper chord interplays, whilst synthesisers and electronics drip off the end of each chord. In the last couple of minutes, a recording of a scientist talking about the foundation of humanity gives a thoughtful repose, before the piece fades away.

'That Moment' stands out in that the piano has less focus, leaving the stage clear for a rumbling drone accompanied by wisps of light in the dark, but it is within 'A Feeling of Being Closer' that we get some real magic. Delicately played notes are held suspended in the air before us like curls of smoke dispersing in slow motion - the sustain of each piano note used as warm layer.

Beautifully designed, pressed and packaged, this is an inspiring artefact full of architectural expanses, given further life through the sensitivity of Hazeldine's touch. Possessing an attention grabbing quality on first listen, which deepens on subsequent listens 'We Don't Look Back for Long should not be missed.

Antonymes meets Slow Dancing Society - "The Grey Sea And The Long Black Land" by Hidden Shoal

http://antonymes.bandcamp.com/
www.myspace.com/slowdancingsociety
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