Ensemble Faux Pas is one of many recent releases by the prolific Polish ambient-drone artist MICROMELANCOLIÉ. It is my introduction to the project, and it is a warm and welcome one. The tape features two sidelong compositions which come in at about 19 minutes each. These warped, repetitive, and dynamic compositions are created by using a no-input mixing board, old VHS tapes, classic analogue synths, and field recordings.

The effect of these minimalist soundscapes is meditative and inviting. These two tracks bring to mind a walk through an ancient forest during the dusky golden hour before sunset. The trees cast long shadows and the crickets are beginning to sing their song. You get a sense of ancient, mythological forces at work just beneath the surface, but it is not so much imposing as comforting, if a little eerie. It sounds especially great in headphones, as there’s a very three-dimensional aspect to his work which draws the listener deeper into the wild world contained within this tiny strip of magnetic tape.

Ensemble Faux Pas has made a very auspicious first impression with me, and I’ve been having a lot of fun tracking down other MICROMELANCOLIÉ releases since hearing it. It’s always a delight to disappear down the rabbit hole of a newly discovered corner of the experimental music universe. If you’re looking to do just that, this is a great place to start.

Ensemble Faux Pas is available on cassette now from the Portuguese label <http://agiantfern.bandcamp.com/”>A Giant Fern.