Andrey Kiritchenko
Chrysalis
Nexsound

"Chrysalis is a state in which one creature naturally transformed in an almost completely different being, while remaining within the cocoon. The idea of this transformation in time, when living creatures are left virtually nothing from the previous condition, is very inspiring. In this album sound of acoustic instruments and electronics flow into one another, dissolve in devolution, decay in a space of interactions. Rebirth." (Andrey Kiritchenko)

Nexsound founder and experimental electronic/electro acoustic wizard Andrey Kiritchenko has launched another record. Chrysalis is one of many (more than 40 releases!) records he's been involved with over the years; solo-stuff or in collaboration with other artists (Francisco Lopez, Sara Lunden, Kim Cascone, Martin Brandlmayr, Anla Courtis, Jason Kahn and others). On his own label, or for labels like Staalplaat, SPEKK, Ad Noiseam, Bip-Hop, Neo Ouija, and more. Chrysalis holds 6 tracks, and is surprisingly accessible. It's from the experimental paths, of course, but the songs aren't of the abstract kind. Some of the songs are like chilled, jazzy, laid-back lounge-post-rock, and his band of players - Artem Amstibovskiy on clarinet, Gendel Krechkovskiy on double bass, and Natalia Dudynska on violin - are really skilled. I especially like the playful opener "Vortex Singular", "Momentum Derive" and "Quasi Religious", not to forget the very fine "Fly Above Where Leaves Do Not". Neat stuff!

Andrey Kiritchenko is a major player in the Ukrainian electronic music scene. He's acclaimed and awarded (awarded by Qwartz Electronic Music Awards, and he was a participant at the Ukrainian exhibition at the 52th Venice Biennale). Chrysalis is steady proof of his position.

Copyright © 2012 Håvard Oppøyen