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Celebrating 20 years of the audiophob label, Aquila stands as a masterful split release from Alarmen and Spherical Disrupted, encapsulating decades of artistry, evolution, and collaboration. The title, inspired by the Aquila constellation and its connection to both ornithology and astronomy, reflects the personal passions of the label’s founders, Carsten and Mirko. This duality of grounded observation and cosmic wonder is woven into the album’s essence, creating a blend of introspection and vastness that defines the soundscapes within.
Aquila is more than a nod to the past; it is a reinvention of tradition. The album fuses the meticulous efforts of acclaimed artists who contributed to the original works with new reimaginings by talents from the audiophob roster. The result is a sonic experience that juxtaposes opposing elements: meditative calm and industrial vigor, ethereal elegance and raw experimentation.
"Tarazed," in its original form by Alarmen, exudes an almost meditative quality that Spherical Disrupted’s Carbon Core Mix redefines into a realm of cosmic energy. The remix layers an expansive industrial atmosphere with experimental ambient undertones, transforming the track into a piece that feels both grounded and interstellar. In contrast, Autoclav1.1’s Celestial Equator Mix offers a more soundtrack-like interpretation, with catchy arrangements and a soothing yet intricate palette.
Wesenberg’s rework of "Tarazed" reimagines it as a club-ready trance anthem. Pulsating beats, cascading layers, and hypnotic techno elements transform the track into a high-energy dancefloor hit that retains its hypnotic pull. Similarly, "Altair," in its original form by Spherical Disrupted, is a masterful mix of ambient, industrial, and experimental sounds. The track’s structure is tethered by a repeating beat sequence, while layers of sound build an evolving and dynamic arrangement.
The reinterpretations bring fresh perspectives without losing the spirit of the originals. Darkrad, with Jana’s haunting vocals, reshapes "Altair" into a dreamy, ephemeral piece that is delicate, mysterious, and profoundly atmospheric. The track feels like an auditory mirage, blending vulnerability with elegance. The_Empath takes a different approach in the Wobble Remix, adding space and power to the original, while Docteur Moreau (Axiome) infuses "Altair" with experimental flair and depth. Even as some remixes, such as Mandelbrot’s take on "Tarazed," emphasize the track’s original qualities while expanding its sonic reach, others, like Mortaja’s Pulsar Mix, bring a sharper, more aggressive edge. The collective effort of these reinterpretations showcases the diversity and vision of the audiophob label.
The album’s structure achieves a perfect balance between introspection and energy, offering moments of almost temple-like focus alongside bold, danceable rhythms. The duality of organic and cosmic themes underscores the timeless interplay of nature and technology, tradition and innovation. To celebrate two decades of audiophob, Aquila becomes more than just an album; it’s a milestone, a reflection of the label’s journey, and a showcase of the talent that has defined its history. Each track resonates with precision, depth, and the unmistakable artistic fingerprint of its creators, making Aquila an essential listen for fans of ambient, industrial, and experimental soundscapes.

Author: khocico
Translator: khocico
Add date: 2024-12-23 / Music reviews