
Jarl - Isolation Colours [Zoharum - 2023]Isolation Colours is a new seven-track CD/ digital download release from Swedish electronica project Jarl( aka Erik Jarl). As its title suggests each of the tracks here focuses on creating an electro-audio presentation of a certain colour(or lack of it) utilizing only analogue synths. The track's tone moving from pulsing & building, to more subdued and moodily looping. The release appears on Poland’s Zoharum- with the CD presented in a fold dull laminate digipak- this takes in glowing colour spots against a clear black background, with minimal texts making for a simple but effective bit of moody packaging.
The album moves from “Blue” which opens with a blend of sweeping bass purr & cascading metallic synth pluses- but as it progresses more rising harmonic rushes, simmers, and slashers are added to create a majestic & dense mesh of sound. There’s the locked & eerier electro tolling judder of “White” which as it goes along adds in morse code-like tone glow, and Icey knocking reverberations.
With the album playing out with “Grey-Scale Two” which opens with a mix of mid & higher ranged spinning pluses- but later adds in this glimmer ‘n’ glowing harmonic tone, with hints at both intriguing & sly unease.
Isolation Colours is a rewarding journey analogue synths led atmospheric, and the whole idea of trying to put colours into an audio form is rather fascinating. It would be interesting the see if Mr Jarl returns to this theme down the road.      Roger Batty
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