Invisible Cities

This subtle score to Italo Calvino's 1972 experimental novel still boasts quietly echoing melodies on "The Divided City" and on "Desires Are already Memories," hazy Stars Of The Lids atmospherics, but an underlying tension threatens "Every Solstice And Equinox's" tranquil air and "Total Perspective Vortex's" climax is terrifying. [Apr 2021, p.37]

‘Invisible Cities’ is a beguiling album that is as rich as it’s subject matter. A Winged Victory For The Sullen designed 13 piece of music that are architecturally sound but tap in directly, and build from, their enchanting debut album.

Each piece is seemingly quite simple in terms of overall construction, with sustained atmospheric tones juxtaposed with spare melodies traced out in the foreground. However, pop on your best headphones, focus on the interplay between the layers of these richly detailed mixes, and you’ll find plenty of instrumental texture that’ll raise the hairs on the back of your neck.

Invisible Cities feels three dimensional with some animated movement beneath the surface. [Mar 2021, p.89]

The music easily stands out on its own, even without the choreography and high-res video projections.

Somewhat of a departure from the shimmering beauty of the layered, symphonic delights and the peaceful inner spaces of the rich ambient soundscapes this duo is known for, this dynamic assortment of instrumental compositions elicits a wide range of moods. But the intricacies are skillfully executed and ebb and flow in precise combination for a perfect soundtrack or as a stand-alone, demonstrative instrumental album.

For a collection of compositions meant to accompany dancers and an assortment of visuals, Invisible Cities seems to lack the frenetic pacing that such a commission may require. But the album is nonetheless an inspiring and often invigorating experience and will likely guarantee more multimedia projects of this variety.

On this outing, greater rewards arrive from a more engaged, active approach to listening, one that helps ensure that nuances and small details are appreciated. It might not ultimately have quite the impact of their earlier work but it still has much to offer, showing them still capable of responding to new creative surroundings and edging forward with small refinements to their sound.