I/Dex

"Layers" CD

Lagunamuch

Genre: glitch

Minsk, Belarus

April 2010

Belarus' Vitaly Harmash has been experimenting with sound since the mid-90s, although his debut album under the I/Dex label only came out in 2003, on Andrey Kiritchenko's excellent Nexsound label. If my first-hand report is anything to go by, that record, Seqsextend, was an exceptionally impressive debut � it took glitch music to melodic highs, a formula that Harmash has continued on this sophomore release.

Of course, layers are important in most music � popular music, especially � though in electronic music that sentiment is amplified and made considerably more overt. However, the glitch genre isn't as transparent a layer-user as the progressive house or trance scenes are, which makes this album's title a bit of a surprise. Layers does, of course, implement multiple levels of sound, and these work in synergy on tracks like busily rhythmic �Cene� and mesmerizing �Enthod.� However, my preferred compositions are those which imbue the glitch formula with profound, ethereal melodiousness � those pristine highs which include �Lanthen� and �Tentle.� On these excellent moments, Harmash exudes an Oval-like beauty, constructing glorious micro-symphonies out of clippy ambient tones and atmospheric electronic detritus. Fortunately, these breezy, evocative moments comprise the majority of Layers, which rolls by breezily with nods to Fennesz and Fourcolor.

i/dex's myspace

Michael Tau

[Vitals: 9 tracks, distributed by the label, released Oct 2009]