Ian Nyquist is a Dublin-based artist who produces chilling ambient soundscapes under the moniker LUVKRAFT. Like the most convincing of atmospheric electronic producers, such as Boards of Canada and Autechre, Nyquist relies on innovative sampling, developmental structures, and a constant ethereal quality to emit an otherworldly vibe. His best efforts are fully capable of transporting listeners to a warmer, more comforting place. Warmness is certainly true of his work, even on his new album Tundrica, which serves as an ode to winter — even if that winter seems to be a tranquil one compared to what I’m experiencing in my neck of the woods.
Recorded during the recent winter months, Tundrica is a patient album full of open spaces, as with the resonating flashes of synth pads on “Tapes” to the swelling effervescence of “Daylight”, which almost seems to signify the melting of snow with the soft trickle of somewhat horn-like vintage synths. Some more intensified efforts include the technological whirring of “Two Seas” and the vibrant arpeggios within “Vernal/Eternal”. So while Tundrica is consistent in its calm, sample-led ambiance, Nyquist separates from many other contemporary electronic producers of a similar vein by offering up true distinction with each track. Each effort on Tundrica has a resonating personality.
Stream the rest of Tundrica below and purchase it on Bandcamp:
