Dalglish
Ideom (Record Label Records)
What makes a good ‘experimental’ electronic album? Ambient music is often overlooked because it’s not properly understood, because it’s just too fucking weird.
Dalglish, real name Chris Douglas, has also released a wealth of largely experimental work under the name O.S.T. and latest release ‘Ideom’ sounds like nothing else you’ll hear in music. Sounding like randomised beats, swooshing, roaring fires, dripping taps, rippling water, eerie synth, the sound of industry – it’s all here.
What makes the album particularly interesting is the way the sound is layered, with the gentlest hints of things going on in the background that you almost have to strain to hear. It gives the music a totally three dimensional feel.
Another weird thing about this album is the bizarre, and seemingly meaningless song titles, such as ‘Exhinenoln’, ‘Hysgeil’, ‘Fhorjon’ and ‘Damlicht’. As far as I’m concerned, anyone who creates such a weird and disturbing musical landscape, and bestows upon it its own made-up language is either a nutter or a genius, but the listeners can make up their own mind.
What did I picture when listening to this album? Evil dwarves building armour in fiery caves deep below the ground in Iceland. Maybe it’s just me who’s fucked up though.
Chris Walker
