Following a detour to the record label Knekelhuis, SSIEGE is now back on YOUTH. But that doesn’t really say much. The sound created by this Italian is much more restrained and mellow than the one that made the Manchester-based label so interesting. Nevertheless, SSIEGE’s début »Fading Summer« was released on YOUTH and was simply stronger than its follow-up »Meteora«. On »Fading Summer«, SSIEGE managed to evoke emotions with his ambient songs; there was something ephemeral about the album, even though it looped into eternity in its full length. Setting a heavy heart to music (almost) without a beat was great. The follow-up didn’t take off in the same way. »Beautiful Age« lies somewhere in between. That this is not an untouched début can also be heard on this album. The demands have increased, songs like »The Hidden Neon Paradise« or »Close Friends« sound despondent and interrupt the journey. Otherwise, it is spot on. Ambient with lots of plucking, a smattering of drums here and there and more dub than before (on the opener and »Bianca«). And then there are the post-dubstep vibes, reminiscent of Mr Mitch, which give »Fading Summer« a different depth (»Veyl« and »Visions«). It doesn’t have a »Regina« or a »Chromatic«, but if you don’t expect too much, »Beautiful Age« is a tiptop SSIEGE album.
Beautiful Age
