By: Phil Johnston
Ben Chatwin | website | facebook |
Released on May 4, 2015 via Village Green Recordings
Ben Chatwin is an electronic/ambient artist who has previously released music as Talvihorrors. Initially a guitarist, he gradually found band dynamics weren’t for him and switched to composing his own music at home. Talvihorrors’ early releases featured his guitar playing, but on last year’s Eaten Alive the electronic elements became more prominent.
Ben hasn’t abandoned the Talvihorrors set-up, and plans to release an album under the name as well this year. For The Sleeper Awakes however Ben has decided to use his own name. I’m not sure what drove the decision but it’s apparent that this album sees him cover new ground and is at times breathtaking.
I’m a great fan of instrumental music and the best often conjures imagery while listening. The Sleeper Awakes does this, giving the feeling of being a film soundtrack with its often unique sound and cohesion. Ben relocated to Scotland in the last year and built a home studio and is clearly comfortable with modern equipment. However, with this album he also made use of a dulcitone, a 100 year old instrument formerly manufactured in Glasgow. Its use on the album in addition to modern instrumentation and techniques create an otherworldly feel.
It’s the balance of antique sounds with more modern textures that lend a schizophrenic futuristic/old fashioned atmosphere. I think it was intentional but its delivery is at times mesmerising.
The duclitone creates this melodic charm that reminds me of clockwork almost. With the modern elements combined it makes me think of the character J.F. Sebastian from the classic Bladerunner film. Amongst the futuristic environment he works alone creating these mechanical mannequins with old fashioned character in a dusty environment. Also I received The Sleeper Awakens shortly after wastching the film Ex_Machina. The film and its excellent soundtrack by Geoff Barrow & Ben Salisbury are another coincidental reference. Musically there are similarities but also with the film itself. The central character Ava is a beautiful A.I. her appearance is evidently high tech and robitic although her movement has a graceful almost ballerina like quality. Again, much like the music of The Sleeper Awakens and its blending of sounds from antique and modern sources.
It’s unique to find so many visual references in music that isn’t an actual soundtrack or has a defined concept. Maybe I’m doing it disservice by not detailing exactly the sound of it. I feel strongly though that music is about feelings and experience, Ben Chatwin has created something that works so well on this level.
From the opening ‘Sirius’ with its almost Mogwai feel to the closing ‘Insomnia’ it’s a journey to be enjoyed. The further into the album you go the more you feel steeped in its alternate dimension. I could pick individual tracks to highlight but honestly the biggest highlight is the album itself.
The Sleeper Awakens is released on May 4th via Village Green Records.
