The Stargazer’s Assistant - Shivers and Voids [Utech Records - 2008]To be enveloped and invited into a dream-like world is the effect Shivers and Voids by The Stargazer’s Assistant has on the listener. The Stargazer’s Assistant is the creation of David J. Smith (of Guapo and Miasma and The Carousel of Dead Horses) joined by Antii Uusumaki, Sara Hubrich and Chloe Herington. “Night Soil”, “Shivers and Voids” and “The Dream Kingdom” are the three pieces featured herein. Each is a soundtrack to an other-worldly place. With seemingly ease they encapsulate a mystical atmosphere, as in “Night Soil” with strange animal sounds, haunting bass lines and explosions of percussion.
“Shivers and Voids” begins with clanging chains and dissonant guitars, this is enhanced by chanting vocals which give an effect that is transcendental and consoling. “The Dream Kingdom” features string instruments, (viola and violin) which are combined with percussion; the result is a mournful and somewhat cold aura. The setting they create, while fantastical, is also foreboding and to an extent unnerving. Much like a dream, situations and emotions are not what they seem.
Within the sounds they create there is much movement, sometimes achingly so. The Stargazer’s Assistant seem to be able to encompass atmosphere’s from sorrowful to majestic to primeval in their construction of their shadowy, ethereal world. Viktorya Kaufholz
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