In the realm of experimental music, where artists push boundaries and challenge conventions, Avery Dart's Lurkers of Languid Waters stands as a unique and ambitious project. Dart, the mastermind behind the ambient/black metal project Escaping Aghartha, has crafted an album that serves as both a vehicle for environmental awareness and a sonic journey through the life of the eel. But is it a captivating voyage, or a meandering one? Let's dive into the depths of this album and explore its intricate web of themes and sounds.
A Musical Muse
Dart's inspiration for this album stems from the plight of eels, particularly the freshwater anguillid eels of Japan, Europe, and America. Overfishing has put these mysterious fish in danger, and Dart aims to raise awareness and funds for their protection. The album's title, Lurkers of Languid Waters, is a fitting metaphor for the eels' elusive nature and their struggle for survival. But what makes this album truly intriguing is its genre-shifting nature, mirroring the eels' ability to shapeshift throughout their life cycles.
As the album unfolds, it takes the listener on a journey through various musical landscapes. From progressive black metal to doom, drone, noise, industrial, ambient, and dungeon synth, the album is a sonic kaleidoscope. However, the initial impression is not entirely positive. The opener, "Eel Black Market," struggles to find its footing, with shifting guitar tones and a combination of "dirty" vocals and grating riffs that leave a less-than-pleasing taste. It's as if the music is trying to grasp for purpose, much like the eels' struggle for survival.
Uncomfortable Listening
Dart's choices in vocals and instrumentation seem deliberate in their discomfort. The vocals, mostly from Dart himself, range from tolerable to unlistenable, with snarls that are incomprehensible and grating. This is particularly evident in the blackened doom track "The Phantoms that Haunt and Linger," where the vocals are weak and muffled, contributing to a lethargic malaise. On "Eaten to Obliteration," the vocals are raw and hoarse, adding to the raw, unfiltered nature of the music. Some experimental choices, like bell chimes and a nightmarish buzzing segment, feel added without musical purpose, just random noise.
The album's length, at 74 minutes, also contributes to the feeling of being trapped in a fish tank. It's as if the listener is on the eel's final journey, traveling thousands of miles to the Sargasso Sea on nothing but stored fat reserves, spurt out millions of eggs, and then sink to their deaths from exhaustion. This is a powerful metaphor, but it also makes for a long and tiresome listen.
A Transformative Journey
However, as the album crosses the hour mark, it undergoes a remarkable transformation. The hooks catch hold, and the music becomes more engaging. The buzzy guitars make way for hooky synths and blackened trems, conjuring an uplifting, triumphant mood. "Journey to the Sargasso Sea" is a standout track, with its progressive structure and musical purpose. It serves as the soundtrack for the eel's final journey, a fitting conclusion to the album's themes.
A Mixed Bag
Dart's intention to spark interest, conversation, and action is commendable, and the album does provide an educational experience about eels and their plight. Yet, the mere existence of this album can only go so far if it's a chore to listen to. The music, while ambitious, struggles to find its footing, and the discomfort it induces may not be a sustainable hook for listeners. I spent time with the album because I took on the duty of reviewing it, but others may not be so willing.
In my opinion, the album's rating of 1.5/5.0 is a reflection of its mixed bag of successes and failures. The concept and themes are intriguing, but the execution could have been more engaging. Dart's passion for the cause is evident, but the music's discomfort may be a barrier for wider appeal. Perhaps a more accessible approach could have made the album more impactful, but then again, the discomfort may be a necessary part of the eel's journey.
As for the future, Dart's project Escaping Aghartha continues to explore the intersection of music and environmental awareness. With each release, they push the boundaries of what's possible, both sonically and conceptually. It remains to be seen if they will find a balance between discomfort and accessibility, but one thing is certain: Dart's passion for the cause and his unique approach to music will continue to captivate and challenge listeners.
