Ital Tek - Hallowed

Ital Tek
Hallowed
2016
Spotify

Sometimes an album has elements of darkness in order to push that sense of dread and edge forward, however there are other times where a record simply is darkness. Hallowed by Ital Tek is that record. It broods and slides it's way into each moment pulling over a sheet of uneasiness leaving you on edge and almost a bit terrified on where things are going to go. Do not get this record mistaken for a dance album as the genre may indicate, this is powerful and dark electronica that is more concerned with creating a soundscape than it is getting you on the floor and moving. There are times like on "Beyond Sight" where a beat may emerge, but it seems more like an accident than something intentional. Hallowed comes across as trying to create a real emotional response, and anything that may come as a by product of that feels only secondary. For an album that is quite slow when it comes to pace, there is a very strong idea of getting the idea out quickly. The songs may go long as some top out well over five minutes, but each movement is quick and precise. Changes don't happen with a bang, instead they slide in and the next thing you know you are two tracks down and had no idea you even left the first. This can lead to a bit of a slog for some of the album, as one thing blends into another and you have trouble finding exactly where you are.

However this could be totally intentional, leave the listener off center so that they can never prepare for what you are about to throw at them next. The through line on Hallowed is distinct and so completely Ital Tek's own that it has to be reckoned with."Aquamarine" is really the first song where we get to hear something really beautiful. Even the silence between tracks seem intentional, a way of bracing the listener for whatever is next rather than throwing them in cold. This may sound like two ideas that are at odds to each other, but on Hallowed they really work. The album is also shockingly quiet. Ital tek builds and builds moments, but the payoff is the fade in to obscurity rather than a massive bass drop. His songs are more plays, taking you through a beginning middle and end that add up to full story of the album. It is hard to pin down where you might listen to this album again, although the potential for this music to be used in movies is massive, but there is a distinct pull that entices you to come back to this music. Ital Tek has crafted something really special with Hallowed and it is something that you really should give a shot.

8.7 out of 10