RAYMOND JOHN ROSS  (Ankst)
'Epitaph' 
UNRELEASED

Ankst frontman, Raymond John Ross has just completed work on his first solo project away from the band six weeks after its inception. ‘Epitaph’, a five-track e.p., has a much darker, colder feel than previous Ankst releases and is a very personal, introspective collection of songs dealing with personal issues, individuals and Raymond’s hometown.  Something of an exorcism of inner demons, baring the ripened fruit of Raymond’s labours from guitar, bass, piano, synth, and drum programming to the mixing and mastering, it is something he needed to get out of his system.

Subtly simplistic, it is an exploration in melancholia with gloomy atmospherics interwoven among haunting guitars that peel away behind throbbing basslines, ‘Salem’ is just another dark day in the life of man. More gloomy atmospherics compliment hunting electronica in ‘Foresight’ as it opens to much rockier arrangements that rise and fall either side of gentle, passive moments of ebony and ivory in reflection. In contrast, the janglyness of ‘Natal’ and ‘Paparazzi’ combine with the ever-present throbbing basslines so prominent throughout while ‘Epitaph’ promotes a much heavier feel with racing electronics and a subtle X-files style backing. Raw and passionate vocals dominate all of these songs with an added darkness that crawls through the arrangements determined to capture the light.

An interesting combination of arrangements, the e.p. as yet remains unreleased while Ankst, who have recently signed a new deal with STKM Records and are currently working through releasing their back catalogue with them. If and when this very personal collection of songs finds it way to the shelves they will be a much sought after addition to collectors everywhere.

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[3/5]