PREMIERE: Vanta - N'Zoth [Ebbs & Flows]
There is something interesting about using a fictional universe as a starting point for electronic music. The references can be very specific, but the music has to stand on its own. Leipzig-based producer Marvin Hoyer aka Vanta manages to do exactly that on The Four, his new EP for London-based Ebbs & Flows.
We first came across Vanta through his debut album on OI Records, which we featured here at Delayed about a year ago. This new release moves further into the darker territory that was already present in his earlier work, which was inspired by a metalcore and hardcore background. The Four is firmly rooted in the deep, eerie side of the underground, drawing inspiration from the mythical world of World of Warcraft. Each track takes its name from a character in the game, and while the references might provide the framework, the music creates its own world. Patience is the common denominator of The Four. Tracks gradually take shape, hold their position for a while, and then begin to disappear. There are no dramatic peaks or sudden changes in direction. Instead, it’s all about the details. A sound appearing in the background. A sequence changing almost unnoticeably. The sound design is particularly strong, and it's those small decisions that give the EP its character.
Our premiere, N'Zoth, takes things into the deeper end of the halftime spectrum. The track is named after one of the major antagonists of World of Warcraft. There's something distinctly sinister about it, but the track never becomes threatening or aggressive. The low end sits deep beneath the arrangement while fragmented sounds and subtle textures create a sense of tension that remains remarkably controlled. There is darkness everywhere, but never quite enough to completely swallow the light.
That balance runs through The Four. Vanta takes a very specific source of inspiration and turns it into something that feels personal rather than referential. The result is a record that works on the dance floor but has enough detail to keep you coming back to it, even when you're away from one.
The Four will be released via Ebbs & Flows on September 4.