Thee Koukouvaya - This is the Mythology of Death

  by Keith How

published: 11 / 1 / 2016

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Review

A soaring atmospheric soundscape floats from the speakers .A throbbing bass dispels any fears of a New Age trap as an angelic choir sweeps you away to a safe place among the clouds . Four minutes of sonic bliss then descends into post-industrial noise. ‘The Magnetic State’ is a grand opener that sets the bar high for the rest of this album. Have no fear of disappointment though as John O’Hara and Brian Wenckeback are skilled technicians and use their electronic wizardry to immerse you in their world. ‘This is the Mythology of Modern Death’ is an atmospheric masterpiece. Unlike the reflective ambience of, for instance, Stars of the Lid or Loscil this creation swirls and pulsates and is always alive with possibilities. At no time does ‘This is the Mythology of Modern Death’ become boring or predictable. ’Chicago Warehouse Party, 1995’ is a massive tune that should be a dance floor smash. It is a clever composition with a great use of dynamics that carries you away and yet does not outstay its welcome. ‘This is the Mythology of Modern Death’ is a powerful album full of unexpected drones glitches and tunes that stay with you. Glimpses of the Orb, Kraftwerk and Enigma sometimes peek through but only enhance the enjoyment. Also it is really great driving music . I can imagine Saga driving her Porche through darkened streets in ‘The Bridge’ with ‘Drunk Machine’ bouncing out the speakers ,or Rick Deckard exploring some abandoned factory in ‘Blade Runner’ while ‘Prismatic Sun’ provides the backdrop with its repeating bass line end echoing electronic shimmers. When Thee Koukouvaya released ‘Witches Jelly’ earlier this year they were inviting the listener to immerse themselves in a huge, harmonic, swirling structure that drew you into their world. Now the journey continues. Grab your hat and coat and get on board. There is a real space age feel to the album that is both captivating and intriguing. It is perfect for the season of bright winter sunlight and longer dark nights. Enthusiasts of electronic music with revel in this and those who would normally pass this genre by might get a pleasant surprise.

Track Listing:-

1 The Magnetic State
2 Anacaona
3 Chicago Warehouse Party, 1995
4 Drunk Machine
5 40.207958, - 74.041691
6 Phantoms in the Last Age
7 Prismatic Sun
8 A Life in a Portolan Chart

Band Links:-

https://www.facebook.com/theekoukouvay
https://twitter.com/theekoukouvaya

Label Links:-

http://saintmarierecords.limitedrun.co
https://www.facebook.com/Saint-Marie-R
https://twitter.com/StMarieRecords
https://www.youtube.com/user/stmariere
https://instagram.com/saintmarierecord
https://plus.google.com/10115674474082