Bristol, U.K.-based electronic musician/composer Roly Porter started his career as one half of pioneering dubstep duo Vex’d, but his subsequent solo work under his own name ventured away from club-based electronic music, constructing dense, harrowing walls of sound utilizing classical instruments as well as heavy, distorted bass tones.
On June 5th 2020 Subtext Recordings presented ‘Kistvaen’ – the fourth solo studio LP of the producer. ‘Kistvaen’ contrasts primordial motifs with that of the 21st-century life in designed environments and an evolving virtual existence. The music blurs boundaries between field recording, folk instrumentation and digital processing, which although beatless creates a profound effect using dark ambiance, deep electronics, and immersive sound design. This is otherworldly sonic necromancy, where long dormant spirits are evoked, summoning an extremely heavy presence.
The pieces that comprise ‘Kistvaen’ were developed for an AV performance of the same name with visual artist MFO, which has appeared at Unsound, Berlin Atonal, and Sonic Acts. The long-player was recorded during various rehearsals/performances and also at BinkBonk studios in Bristol.
