Somnaphon

Sarasota

Label: ACK Recordings Country: USA

"Sarasota, the latest release from Somnaphon, comes with the disclaimer that elements of the album are "disturbances" recorded in an active haunted house. Whether this claim is true, or simply great marketing, remains unknown, but the end result is a collection of tracks that certainly live up to that hype. Broken clips of melody, clanging metal and found sounds all contribute to a disturbing and haunting atmosphere that is rife with tension and creepiness.

While the tracks tend to run a little shorter than I would have liked, the overall effort is certainly worth noting. Even without the benefit of long progressive elements, the atmosphere attained is perfect for staring blankly out the window, watching those last stubborn leaves lose out to nature and tumble slowly to the ground."-John Ingram, Intelligent Machinery