From summer last year Vacuum River is a heady blend of detailed/ layered noise texturing, and eerie ethnic ambient atmospherics. Making it one of the most original/ distinctive releases I’ve heard from within the walled/ textured noise genre within some time.

The release appears on Bangkok based Perpetual Abjection- which focuses on releasing handmade/ arty wall noise releases. The red paint splattered CDR comes in a grey spray-painted case, which features colour paint slashes on it. Inside we find a double-sided colour inlay- this is a hand-numbered edition of twenty-five copies, and we get a mysterious and moody painted illustration taking in a surreal selection of images- an eyeball, a tree, a shell, tentacles, and a planet. Then on the other side texts detailing the release. As of writing the label still have a few copies left for purchase.
 

The single track here rolls in at just over the fifty-three-minute mark. It's a wonderful sonic balancing act between textured noise elements, and the more mellow/ haunted ethnic ambient tones utilizers clay ocarina and bamboo flute. The track slowly but surely fades in, with at first galloping ‘n’ pop/ snapping static texturing- behind this one can make out distant ringing/ tolling gong tones, and the whole sonic picture brings to mind approaching some strangely hazed ritual spot. As we progress deeper into the track layers of rapidly fidgeting wood-like textures are add, along with snapping/ weaving micro ritual snaps and rumbles- creating a feeling akin to trying to make your way through some vast and dense field of thin and tall bamboo. 

As we move on you can make out more expertly placed/ layered moments of ethnic ritual tone flit- all creating a feeling of manic-ness, and the soothing lulling within it- this is enhanced when around the 10th minute slow curls and coils of flute work appear. The remainder of the track finds Pakhomov wonderfully balancing the manic and detailed textured elements, with the more soothingly eerier/ mellow elements.
 

Sergey Pakhomov is a seasoned and highly respected member of the walled noise scene- but with Vacuum River he’s created a skilful and masterful blending of genres, which is something very special. I’d advise snapping up a copy of this release before the few that are left disappeared- if you are looking for some different/creative within the walled/ textured noise genre, this really is an unmissable release. Drop by here to get hold of a copy of Vacuum River.