Pleq
& Lauki outdo themselves with this beautiful recording. It is right in time
for the winter session. The songs, while coming from far away, possess warmth.
Of course the pianos are still there, the violins are too, yet there’s a
greater depth to the work. This is not the first time the two have worked
together; they put out an EP earlier this year. Yet with more space they
explore more territories and textures. The result ‘The Anatomy of Melancholy’
is quite affecting.
At times ‘The Anatomy of
Melancholy’ reminds me of Stars of the Lid’s early work, particularly ‘The
Ballasted Orchestra’. ‘V’ has this particular, darkened mood. When the violin
comes in it simply confirms it for me. For me at least ‘V’ may be the strongest
track on the album, and the remix is wonderful as well, even if the remix
lightens the original somewhat.
Even with the calm tone, there are
a few surprises. ‘XI’ is one of those surprises. It starts out with harsh
static noise before settling into an organ/piano pattern. The static evolves
into an accompaniment of the organ, piano, and eventually violin. For an
ambient record to include such a curveball is greatly appreciated, as it does
wake up the listener.
There is a lot within this album.
Personally I enjoy the shorter tracks, as they appear to have a bit of mystery.
And the remixes, which usually don’t accompany an ambient record, are
excellent, with Offthesky’s rising above the rest. I’m glad Pleq + Lauki
finally got around to releasing something so diverse, giant, and soothing.
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