Heady conceptual frameworks appear to be the modus operandi of the Gruenrekorder label, and Adolar fits snugly in with their ever-widening catalog. Often the “high art” component of such works is taken to be more important than actual listenability, but this is fortunately not the case here. I presume that the album version of Adolar is merely a sizable excerpt from the event, as the structural stability of the piece throughout its duration adheres to the concept of the combination and re-combination of the same basic sounds. The result is hardly as boring as it sounds, however. A plentitude of silent and near-silent portions between the “events” aids in capturing a massive, dark, timeless mood. The soft, atonal drones have a somewhat time-stretched and gritty exterior but are presented to us without much other embellishment. Pacing and attention are pivotal for enjoying a drone journey such as this, but this works equally effective in a purely ambient function as well.

This first mass-released work by Kainer demonstrates a major achievement and hopefully will demarcate the beginning of a fruitful career in sound-related endeavors. It’s impossible to say, but if previous examples of academic-minded musicians serves as any example, this may be the last piece of this variety in Kainer’s catalog – who knows what other capabilities he has yet to reveal.