Up until recently I was unfamiliar with the Vatican Analog label, but after checking out a few releases from the internationally-based experimental collective, I am totally sold. While plenty of the label’s output is worthy of further inspection, it’s Kitchen Sink Realism by the quartet known as CRYSTAL FUCKING DUST which first caught my attention.

I don’t know much about this act, other than that this particular work was recorded in Sweden some time last December. I imagine it was very cold and very dark. As far as the equipment used, there are definitely some synthesizers, possibly some modular equipment or modular-style sampling, and a somewhat yelpy vocalist processed through a delay (or possibly just some vocal samples) thrown in every now and then as well. I’m pretty sure it was done live in one take. I imagine many knobs are being twiddled. The mysteriousness of the recording doesn’t work against it, though. If anything it can deepen one’s appreciation to have to work a little to figure out how music like this is generated.

The track starts off based on a repetitive bit of rhythm that sounds reminiscent of typewriter keys, some fat droning wave forms and a couple looped piano notes, but goes through an impressive number of variations in its 22 minute run time. At points it is ominous and brooding, at others much lighter and more playful. On the whole it’s a great introduction to a really great label, and makes perfect background music for repetitive tasks or long, thoughtful walks at dusk.

Kitchen Sink Realism is available now from Vatican Analog.