Umbráfono - Segundo Álbum [Aldarrax - 2025]Combining audio and visual art is nothing new, however, artists challenge this collision of two worlds in various ways, furthering our understanding of the two mediums while expanding on how many ways one can make art. Umbráfono (Enrique del Castillo) uses a mix of old and new technology to convert light into sound to create his work, with his latest, Segundo Álbum out now on LP. His material is based on his own film printed to celluloid fed through an optical-analog system, technology that has been in use since 1919. These films were designed and manufactured by del Castillo, making the audio/video leap something truly his own. Using specific geometric shapes, timed repetition, and other regulated forms, Umbráfono is able to bring about a hypnotic and harmonic feeling to his work. Well crafted and tightly controlled, he is able to control his textures and atmospheres visually, ensuring that the audio will turn out as planned. While most audio/visual artists rely on both aspects to get their point across, Umbráfono is able to let the music speak for itself, although one can imagine how immersive it would be with both pieces of art on display. Segundo Álbum is thirteen pieces of engaging, light electronics that is particularly musical considering how it was created. All moving quickly and purposefully, their repetition and hypnotic feel brings the listener in right away, and each piece speaks only as long as needed. Overall, there is a sort of gauzy veil on top of the tracks which gives them a certain reverence, like they were recently found, dusted off, and played for all to enjoy. Some of the pieces have a more modern sound behind this haze while others have synths that feel like they're part of a late 70's spacey ambient mix. That's not to say that everything is soft, as there are some more forceful sounds on display, but they're all well integrated into each particular piece. The vibe is somewhat mechanical and cold at its darkest, but Segundo Álbum has more than enough higher flying pieces that keep the album uplifted and upbeat, like the smile drawn on the end table dust.
Often, artists will be more focused on how their sound is made instead of what is made. Fortunately, Umbráfono cares greatly about both aspects. Segundo Álbum is really easy to get into, and once in, there are pleasant surprises to be had all throughout. With quick runtimes, the tracks fly by so that extra spins are required to parse the layers well enough, but each playthrough is a smile in itself. After hearing the album, one starts to think about the films that have been made to create these sounds, wondering how far off their synaesthesia may ultimately be. For more    Paul Casey
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