Zvrra - Hadal EP
Scientists worldwide have intercepted the same pattern of signals emanating from the Boötes Void, otherwise known as the great nothing. These scientists first thought they might be radiation from the remnants of a collapsed star. Unable to shake the feeling that something about them sounds organic. They seem intelligent, like an unfamiliar language or code. Is this humanity's first sign of life? What do they mean? Should we be worried? This scenario springs to mind when listening to Zvrra's latest release on 30D Records. The Chicago-born multi-generalist delivers an EP that sounds raw, futuristic and incredibly analogue. The Hadal EP (2023) leans so heavily into the experimental ambient side of electronic music that I consider it a concept EP. It feels like we're being flung into the darkest reaches of space and picking up the faintest remnants of intelligent life.
For example, two rhythmic elements act as counterpoints in the first track of the EP, 'Aberration'. One is a slowly rising and falling synth that almost sounds like the blades of a helicopter encased in a vast reverberant box. It sounds like 80s sci-fi sound effects because of the truly experimental nature of the sound coupled with very organic spring reverb sound. The second element is a pulsing rhythm. It is so decrepit like a heart rate monitor is hooked up to dying bulbs of fluorescent tube lights that flicker with that ominous buzz.
Zvrra put the weight of existence in a vast universe onto our shoulders with 'Astra'. Deep sound design transports listeners into the darkest reaches of the cosmos. Interestingly for a concept so alien, this track includes the most recognisable sound on EP. The muted wiping of windshields is ever-present. Zvrra uses this to underpin an eery drone, creating an incredibly tense listen. In the periphery of the track are these glitches that sound almost electrical. They give a sense that we are up the river without a paddle early. This river didn't have riverbanks. There's no water, only nothingness. We're in a depleted craft floating through the void. Zvrra will seemingly, at random, cut a large portion of the frequencies, giving me this odd sensation of ears popping on a plane which juxtaposes the environment in a very creative way. Great detail and attention has been put into the ambient sounds that are almost inaudible. They round out the piece and make it feel like a tangible environment.
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Zvrra - Hadal EP
This creeping drone continues throughout the 'Hydrogen Shore' track until bass notes, reminiscent of an acid line, fade in, only to be crowded out by what can only be ascribed as a chorus of unholy wailing. This fills the track with this overarching sense of cosmic horror. As the dread lurks, I feel like this could be an embodiment of fear or anxiety. It renders us still. The deafening noise is unshakeable.
We're then catapulted into 'Uninhabitable System' as the unrelenting sound of jagged synths scratching and scraping window panes flood the upper frequencies. As tension builds, the fear starts to inch in. Zvrra then fiendish serenaders us with these long bowed notes. The notes are intentionally sharp. I think it's at this point when the torture of isolation takes its toll. When all hopes faded, insanity started to take hold. 'Uninhabitable system' is the crescendo with EP. It builds and builds, deafening with white noise that moves like sand blown over a dune.
Zvrra shows incredible talent on this, especially considering how much their output has been slipping between house, trap, deep techno, and industrial. In addition, Zvrra adds a unique experimental and fresh take to all of it.
Tracklist;
Aberration
Astra
Hydrogen Shore
Uninhabitable System
Label: 30D Records (2023)
