Petrels - Haeligewielle (Vinyl LP, CD)

Utilizing a combination of bowed strings, bent electronics, found percussion and occasional vocals,this is the artists debut release. Things slowly unfold with the evocative 'After Francis Danby' which paints a mental image of a ship lost at sea emerging inland through the fog. Lots of pretty chiming sounds on this one which is massively dramatic as it grows across its eight minute duration. Next up 'Silt' has lots of tiny miniscule bubbling sounds beneath shifting, shimmering drone-scapes and strings which become really quite heart-wrenching and euphoric. 'Canute' is like a cross between Oval and Max Richter while 'The Statue Is Unveiled With The Face Of Another' is a blissed slice of experimental modern classical. I think fans of the Miasmah label will find something to get stuck into, although this material is not so overtly dark. I'm struggling to grasp a narrative here but I'm sure that will become apparent over repeated listens. Edition of 100 numbered copies in stitched screed gatefold sleeve.