NYC-based artist and producer The Ellipsist unveils his debut single “Only Son” — succeeding with an immersive, late-night electronic sound that also draws aesthetically from ambient, post-dream-pop, and modern R&B. The project is helmed by Stephen Krieger, a neurologist and also one half of experimental duo The Formalist alongside Erik Laroi. On the affecting “Only Son” a strong soundscape unfolds, embracing shadowy R&B abstraction, ambient electronics, and hushed vocal presence merge into artful sound design, abundant in texture and emotional fervency in navigating a haunting atmosphere with striking balance and climactic structural appeal.
The track wastes no time in establishing its intoxicating, atmospheric appeal. Nocturnal synth tones and warbled, soulful vocal murkiness combine with impactful immersion, making for a sound that resembles a lovable balance between Burial and James Blake. A more sporadic vocal infusion enamors past the first-minute, as click-clacking rhythms continue to construct a cavernous soundscape. Haunting backing tones linger consistently throughout, with spacious reprieves like 02:32 re-assembling beautifully — like with the touch of glistening piano after that particular moment, continuing as a gorgeous element into the track’s wholly satiating conclusion. A moody, moving standout with ample stylishness, “Only Son” is an enveloping showcase in production and sound from The Ellipsist.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
