[reviewed by: Andrew Dns Dienes]
In the tapestry of existence, the concept of “Modus Vivendi” weaves itself as a subtle yet profound thread, capturing the essence of harmony within the human experience. The original Latin phrase, meaning “way of living” or “mode of life,” encompasses a delicate balance between diverse individuals, ideologies, and cultures. Such monumental concepts, encapsulated in this and many other phrases, often become part of humanity’s cultural heritage and are reflected in various aspects of its art, while music is not an exception. Music provides unlimited instruments for philosophizing about the “way of living,” and Swedish musician Marcus Lonebrink does not miss the opportunity to immerse himself in the theme and explore it through the full depth of the musical palette that dark ambient genre can offer.
Sixteen long years separate two of Sinke Dus albums, but it is great to see that Marcus has not lost his touch and has crafted a lovely record to dive into hypnotic journey with. In “Modus Vivendi” he uses the evocative power of atmospheric music to craft haunting soundscapes that transport listeners to realms of introspection and unease.
From the initial notes of the first track “Vastatio,” it becomes apparent that the whole album will be full of highly cinematic and ethereal passages, probing the boundaries of perception and emotion. A tragic and solemn melody hovers above the different whistling and squeaking sounds, a slow background percussion emphasizes the nuances of the structure adding even more tension. Subsequent “That Which Could Have Been” unfolds like a journey through the dimly lit corridors of the mind, where echoes of forgotten memories and hidden fears lurk in the recesses of consciousness. Furthermore, the anxious shifts of a slow melody inject some creepy suspense into the whole soundscape of the second track.
With the third composition “Misgivings” the scenery becomes even more cinematic, inviting the listener to fully engage his imagination and deep dive into the sonic textures and subtle yet profound shifts in mood. A distant hum somewhere on the background of the track reminds of a sort of an engine, or probably enormous working mechanism, which sound adds a considerable portion of apprehension. Sudden piercing sounds intertwine with different special effects, generously scattered throughout the space of the composition, creating a truly mysterious atmosphere.
While approaching the midpoint of the album, the listener reaches “Contrition”; and the music becomes more profound and hypnotic, playing with twists and turns of a meditative, yet solemn melody. A similar atmosphere is transmitted in the next composition “Hypostasis”, wherein Marcus continues his interplay with shadows and blinks of light, weaving a tapestry of sound that is at once mesmerizing and disquieting. Although “The Pilgrimage” maintains a similar mood as in the previous two tracks, a certain portion of pace is added by the gloomy and grievous melody, not allowing the listener to escape from the depth of abyss.
The outwardly minimalist approach to track structure can be quite deceptive, offering the discerning listener a wide array of instruments used in music to stimulate abstract thinking when delving into the depth of compositions. “Sanctum” is an excellent example of how an emotionally intricate structure can be built from relatively simple components. In this composition, Marcus has received a helping hand from Par Bostrom better know as the man behind another outstanding dark ambient project from Sweden under the name Kammarheit. A profound and tragic melody floats on a distant background supported by a wide opened atmosphere of a deep windy hum together with different scratching metal effects which infuse an extra gloomy ambience.
To summarize the captivating journey called “Modus Vivendi”, it is important to remember that the album encapsulates the distinctive approach and ethos adopted by Marcus in his creative endeavors. It signifies more than just stylistic choice; rather, it embodies a comprehensive understanding of the musical genre that shapes the artistic output. And as a result, we can experience a fascinating dark ambient album to be played in the dark and in solitude. Cudos for the comeback.
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Sinke Dus – Modus Vivendi
Cyclic Law, 177th Cycle
CD/Digital 2023
Santa Sangre 