For any introduction about this outfit by our dearest Mister (bleak), I invite you to check out any of the former reviews I did for this specific project (even-though I did write down my thoughts on some of his other projects too in the meantime)…
Let’s go right to the point this time. Bastion is a self-released two-track recording, that was actually created in 2023. It’s the result of this guy’s ‘culmination of [his] mania’, and being considered his best personal work so far. Who am I to disagree. The digital-only album consists of two lengthy pieces, i.e. the title track (19:08) and The Shape Of Water (20:05), so one can expect about forty minutes of aural atmospherics. There’s no label involved, but Mister P. B. was convinced about the fairness of this material, so he decided to release it via his own digital channels anyway. So, I repeat: who am I to disagree…
First a word about the visual art: an excerpt from a picture by Turkish photographer Beyzanur K., which perfectly reflects the sonic content. It refers to liminality, transcendence, auditory sensory procession, autonomous sensory meridian response – or maybe not at all, who knows…
In contrast to most other Carrion releases, Bastion has barely any connection with ANW (Ambient Noise Wall) or Drone, despite a limited injection of field-recorded elements. The whole sound shifts over towards a free-floating form of Ambient, accurately packaged in a mantle of Winter Synth influenced fairness. The title track quite immediately reflects the renewed direction, while mingling doom-edged drones with astral synth-waves, different forms of percussions (carefully used), like bells and chimes, and the addition of piano; the latter adding a hint of nostalgia and manifestation. It’s a long-stretched and tranquil adventure, which slowly evolves, and which permanently expands at the very same time. Almost enigmatically, things seem to grow, with elements that secretly join (like more keyboard-lines and that use of strings and, especially, diverse percussions). Bastion guides the listener into introspection and meditative trance, leisurely climbing towards the highest peak of knowledge, serene descending into the abyss of revelation. A vision of immeasurable spaces materializes into an unphysical form (no, I didn’t smoke anything at all; it’s this aural artistry that stimulates my imagination).
The Shape Of Water is somehow comparable, yet it sounds more rich as from the start. It’s a perfectly chosen title, by the way, for the sound of falling water drops immediately reflects through the sonics. For some reason, I also ‘experience’ an Oriental vibe, caused by the blooming-flower-reeking sound-textures and atmospheres (and no, I still haven’t been smoking that fine green stuff). Thick but, at the same time, tender layers of lunar structure ripple forward in harmonic patterns, continuously accompanying the innocent listener through zero-gravity spheres. The final one-third of The Shape Of Water quite suddenly enters darker realms, even-though that watery aspect remains. It’s the core of the synths that shifts over into more dense, doomed areas. Imaginary creatures appear, and hide, leaving you confused yet, somehow, satisfied and alleviated.
This two-tracker is a remarkable experience when talking about Carrion’s sonic creativity, for it explores aural dimensions that are quite, eh, new for this project. But it is worth giving a try for sure, for its curative character works inspiring. …or whatever; it’s just a very nice recording!
https://carrionnoise.bandcamp.com/album/bastion
https://www.concreteweb.be/reviews/carrion
https://www.concreteweb.be/reviews/carrion-0
https://www.concreteweb.be/reviews/carrion-1
https://www.concreteweb.be/reviews/carrion-2
https://www.concreteweb.be/reviews/carrion-3
https://www.concreteweb.be/reviews/carrion-sado-rituals
https://www.concreteweb.be/reviews/empty-pool-carrion