Sometimes the easiest way to review an ambient album is to simply lie in bed, with headphones on, and embrace the visuals that come pouring into your head for that given length of time. In the case of Supersilent’s latest album, conveniently titled 6 (all their albums have been titled numerically), the visuals are all over the map. One second you’re in the middle of the ocean with nothing but vast amounts of water and warm air surrounding you, and by the next song you’ve been sucked into the black lodge of Twin Peaks. Come to think of it, the black lodge actually looks a bit more like the white room of 2001: A Space Odyssey; it’s the same concept, though. Supersilent’s label, Rune Grammofon, is known for releasing some of the world’s most experimental improvisations, and although this is the case, these Norwegian artists have actually turned the opposite way from their previous outings.
In the beginning of their catalogue, one could barely fathom the twists and turns that came with the experience of listening to a Supersilent album. As they’ve progressed, they seem to be getting a lot more comfortable in their own skin. 6, the most accessible record of the series, is an enigmatic opus of psychedelic opulence. The marriage here of the old and new world is brought together to form a timeless piece of work. Once at the core of 6 ("6.3" to be precise), it can be easy to feel a little intimidated by the eerie sounds that are imposed on you. On “6.4,” Supersilent eases up a bit from “6.3” by playing sounds somewhat similar to Tarentel at their finest hour. The final verdict of 6 is that it’s one of the most dense musical experiences your likely to encounter this year.
1. 6.1
2. 6.2
3. 6.3
4. 6.4
5. 6.5
More about: Supersilent
