OHYUNG - nevada (Self Release) [Ambient Pop]

Lia Ouyang Rusli aka OHYUNG is a music producer and film score composer, who has been making uneasy, sometimes speaker shattering electronic music of various hues for the last seven years. Well a new album and stylistic change are in the air, perhaps understably so, as the new album is billed as conversation between their trans and former self, a dialogue that surely requires a slightly more nuanced and contemplative soundtrack.

The sounds of abruptly chopped and looped static (or is it a wave?) give "all dolls go to heaven" an edgy but not too abrupt rhythmic structure, that suggests low lights and late nights are ahead; but hold tight as the clouds soon part to reveal an indistinct, glowing light, heralded by ambient undulations and a celestial choir that beckons you closer and suggests that everything will be alright, before the rumble of thunder closes the gap, thankfully leaving a ray of hope behind.

I genuinely thought "nevada's" intro was a clap of thunder as it coincided with a torrential downpour, but the unusually sustained rumble gave me enough time to realise my error, and the gentle introduction of a machine imitating a cello confirmed my suspicions. More synth sounds follow, floating orchestrally and spookily through the soundscape setting a paranormal ambient neoclassical mood, as more choral voices - this time more earthly, decide that if there's a haunting they want in on the action too. It's a fine slice of gently restless, quietly but firmly experimental ambient music, that coupled with the flipside, are boding well for the album.

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Playlist Companion

Find OHYUNG in the Ambient Pop Playlist.