Yves De Mey

Antwerp-based synthesist and sound-sculptor Yves de Mey presents Drawn with Shadow Pens, following previous outings on a slew of renowned labels such as Modal Analysis, Semantica, Opal Tapes, his own Archives Intérieures imprint with Sendai partner Peter van Hoesen, and the now-defunct Sandwell District. Drawn with Shadow Pens is a testament to the gifted musician's incredible engineering talents. "Prelament" sets the album off with a dense fog of acrobatic waveform maneuvers slowly shapeshifting through the audio spectrum before arriving at a vibrating, multidimensional sonic black hole. Tracks like "Adamance" and "Xylo" sound like audible holograms, with stray rhythms dissipating into and out of sharp modulations and sinuous drone layers. A pure mastery over the instruments played is evident, though many compelling sound events seem to occur and disappear almost magically. The beautiful, spacious depths of "Ostia" unfold with monastic patience, creating a surreal, hypnotic electronic sound environment. Drawn with Shadow Pens successfully strives toward a new apex in modern electronic synthesis; it's an album that will sound futuristic even in the future. If one were told that this entire album comprises tracks recorded in one take and in mono, it would be difficult to fathom -- but indeed it is true. All tracks produced by Yves de Mey. Mastered by Neel. Artwork by Yann Binet.