Zalys - Towards the Sun

Back in March 2013, a French solo artist who simply entitles herself M. created Zalys, a dark ambient project that has firm roots floating around in space and ethereal atmospheres. Her albums are based around one conceptual idea: a space wanderer drifts alone in the cosmos after the destruction of his planet, searching both for beauty and surviving humans. Towards the Sun is the third part of a group of works that began with 2013's Wandering Through Space, and the results aren't bad.

Solar Wind introduces us to the latest standing of the protagonist. Why he's heading so close to the sun, an object capable of burning anything and everything is beyond me. EIther way, the sounds that come forth are that of curiosity; the sounds definitely echo of space, and the little effects just make it feel as if he's not alone. A decent little opener that led to the title track.

Named after the EP, Towards the Sun has some sci-fi sort of noises, the synths having slight reverberations as they come and go as they please, the cries of other ambient noises mixing in with the pleasurable sounds of deep space. The quieter moments make you fear for the life of the protagonist, as if he's about to die, or just flatline from lack of purpose; but, when the music comes back, with digital clicks and clacks, you know that isn't the case.

Flares starts off with some decent, low pitched drone notes, but drives into some deep, atmospheric noises that echo out to other effects. A nice little number. The last track, A New Beginning, lasted almost twelve minutes, and played with more heavy, deep pitched aural sounds. Well worked, and very cataclysmic

And, well, I come off this project very deeply immersed in the story of the lone wanderer, but more so engaged in the music that was presented. Dark ambient is good, but when sci-fi elements blend in with the genre, it creates something just so much more pleasant to the ear. And Zalys allows that to happen easily. Give this artist a listen to. I don't think you'll be disappointed. Sep 02 2014