The Intro is a mysterious hear play crossed with bended guitar sounds giving the impression of something being generated. The lady makes a desperate plea, desperation bordering on the comical.
And off we comfortably land into the middle of the title track The Death of Youth, which takes the melody into a state of melancholy, but not the sorry sobbing type of melancholy, but the melancholy of knowing things are the way they have developed and that’s it. All in all I’m quite in a state of relaxation by the time the beat kicks in. From thereon the song develops nicely into the lower registers. A great track and one which equips with food for thought.
Breathing Spaces continues the feeling of the first track, being a bit more controlled, and ends in bass bliss which reminds me of some natural process in progress. Grain Cycle then starts with all kinds of sonic creatures all demanding their own rhythm. The bass tone puts one in a permanent flux when suddenly the drums kick in. The percussion and timing of breaks of all sounds and structures (drums included) are, as always, superb.
The closing track Simon Says, begins with a devious interplay of voices bathed in fine ambience. It really is a trip in itself. The drums are heavy, bouncing and dubby; really able to make you jump up and move. All in all my favorite track on this excellent record.
Next to that it’s detailed enough to listen it in different ways, many times over.
This great album by Nonima and Sonal has my vote! If ye love innovative music, here’s the chance for a fine sonic flight.