Tzolk’in - Haab’

One could almost compare ‘Sotz’ with an abrupt change of scenery because as much as the previous track was focussed on creating a rich ambience with much melody, it’s almost the other way around here as the track is very much fixated on its rhythmical makeup which is, without exaggeration, quite sophisticated. Still there’s melody in the composition, but it’s more dozed and concentrated on specific parts, whereas samples and field recordings are used to bring more depth. Basically you can say the same about the following track on the list ‘K’ayab’, the ambient elements are now used more subtle and their effect unfolds rather sub textual but not less intense while the rhythm section develops more and more complexity with every passing minute; from the comparatively reluctant percussions at the beginning to the massive power strong electronic beats. The now following ‘Yaxk’in’ starts in the best ambient tradition with a calm almost mystical sonic scenery with distant choral swells and multi-various sounds reminding of a primeval forest to unfold its ritual or better hypnotic character as it progresses by putting the listener to an ecstatic state with its driving tribal rhythms which pump the adrenaline through their veins and make a resistance futile. Concluding the album is the track ‘Xul’ that once again and sadly for the last time on this album unites all strengths of the duo. Cascading not too obtrusive tribal drum section and breathtaking ambient passages interlock and end a remarkable album with the complex network that was given birth by their amalgamation.

One can say that the exact right person unified their strength here to create an album that is by no means mediocre but reaches heights other projects can just dream about. Much more cohesive than the debut ‘Haab’ comes along and one can only guess what those guys might come up with next.