Electronic music has come a long way since the days of early pioneers like Kraftwerk and Giorgio Moroder.
These days, artists are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with synthesizers, samplers, and drum machines, creating dark and cinematic soundscapes that are as evocative as they are danceable.
Ashpool’s Conurbation is exactly that: a cinematic album full of darkness and feeling.
The best way to describe it is like an episode of the Twilight Zone set in a dystopian future. It’s a bit like listening to F.O.O.L., but with less pumping and more atmosphere. Take that vision, divide it into two different EPs named “Side A” and “Side B” and there you have Ashpool’s Conurbation.
Conurbation - Luca's TAKE
When one thinks of dark cinematic synths, one usually thinks of horror movies. However, there is another type of movie that uses this type of synth to create an evocative and dark atmosphere. These are the films noir. Films noir are often set in urban environments and focus on crime and corruption. This gives them a unique atmosphere that is perfect for dark cinematic synths.
One of the best examples of this type of retro synth use is in the film “Drive”. The film follows a Hollywood stunt driver who gets involved in a heist gone wrong. The synth work in the film creates a tense and dangerous atmosphere that matches the plot perfectly.
In my opinion, conurbation belongs to this kind of soundtrack-inspired kind of electronic music, but way more on the dystopian and sci-fi side of things.
Especially Side A of the album is very dark and “abrasive” but also melodic, as if you took the darkness of a stormy night, the abrasiveness of sandpaper, and mixed in a little bit of the beauty of a symphony.
The album is perfect for fans of electronic music and dark, epic music alike as the epic cinematic sounds create an immersive and intense listening experience, setting your mood for the suspenseful new world you’ll find yourself in.
Luca's favourite trackin Conurbation:
My favorite track in Conurbation is “Monochromatic Dreams” because it’s so exciting and powerful from the start, fading into a more calm and meditative kind of feeling only to end in a power state once again.
It’s a journey from start to end, which is what I love about this album.
I feel like I’m navigating a fantastic voyage, carrying weapons, traveling in sci-fi ships, facing a dark and heavy atmosphere, rain falling down, with my heart full of hope, in order to save a world bathed in shadow and darkness.
Conurbation - Alex's take
Alex's favourite track in conurbation:
I have two favorite tracks in Conurbation.
Side A: Void Warren
A mix of emotions, strength, anger, struggle, and bloodlust that turns into a sweet and peaceful emotional clarity.
It is the most beautiful yet brutal track on the album.
The feeling of being in a fit of rage and then calming down, making peace with your emotions, and finding the strength to carry on. The raw anger and then the soothing calm at the end. I don’t think I have ever heard anything like it.
Side B: Everblue
Melody with delicate tones, amplified by the decisive sound, prevents you from thinking but lets the instinct paint in the mind taking you where your eyes meet the horizon.
A magnificent track.
The feeling of being alone and at peace with yourself and your surroundings. The beauty of a desert, or anywhere where you can see for miles and miles, but with a cold and at times even spectral atmosphere, filled with cybernetics elements blending with the natural view, as a filter for the feelings that need to be evoked.
It’s just one of those tracks that you can’t listen to without feeling the mood, and then it fades away.
Conclusions
It is said that you can’t help but be impressed by a well-done album, and that’s certainly the case with Ashpool’s “Conurbation.”
This album is permeated by an atmosphere that is both dark and epic. The cinematic elements add to the overall feeling of the album, making it feel like you’re listening to the soundtrack of a film. It takes the listener on a journey through different emotions and states of mind.
In conclusion, this dark, epic, and cinematic electronic music album is a great addition to any music collection.
It is perfect for those who enjoy dark and ambient music, and it is sure to please fans of movie soundtracks. If you are looking for something new and different to listen to, then this album is definitely worth checking out.
So now click play in the Spotify box below and if you end up agreeing with our review buy it via the Bandcamp box just beside it!
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Remember, ART CAN BE MORE!
