Prie100r - Pierka Vrán (2023)
by Flork
Although it’s still early in 2024, in fact, we’re just 3 weeks into this year, I can already tell that Pierka Vrán will make it into my Top 10 favourite albums by the end of December. The latest release from Slovak dark electronic duo Prie100r immerses listeners into a captivating sonic journey that skillfully blends electronic textures, electric guitars (at times), and heavy bass tones. Comprising producer and multi-instrumentalist Radovan Činčura and multi-genre vocalist and musician Dominika Zdražilová, Prie100r unveils a distinctive sound that transcends traditional genre boundaries.
Following the albums 292 (2019) and Srdce z cínu (2021), the album introduces itself with the single Medúzy (Jellyfish), a track that intertwines Dominika's evocative vocals with ambient synthesizers, punctuated by live drums and a groovy bass line. From the outset, the duo establishes a moody and mysterious ambiance that draws the listener into a realm where electronic pulses intertwine with haunting melodies. Radovan, who is responsible for all instrumentation and production, provides insights into the creation process, with emphasis on spaciousness and freedom in the composition. In fact, Pierka Vrán unfolds like a cinematic journey, with each track contributing to the overarching narrative of the album. This is evident in the following tracks, Nezvestní v spojení (Lost in Connection) and Múr (Wall), where the use of heavy bass tones anchors the listener, creating a palpable sense of depth and weight to the music.
One of the standout features of Pierka Vrán is the masterful integration of Dominika Zdražilová's vocals, bringing a multi-genre approach that adds versatility to the compositions. The lyrics (which are sung in Slovak, although I can see Prie100r writing compositions in English to reach a wider audience as their career progresses) contribute to the overall immersive experience, conveying emotions and moods through evocative vocal delivery. The collaborative process of selecting vivid yet comprehensible imagery for the lyrics resulted in a theme, from what I can gather, centered around the coast and the forests which overshadow it (Medúzy, Krajina podzemia (Land of the Underground), Šum stromov (Rustling of the trees)). The final result is a landscape of gentle, dreamy, and nostalgic emotion.
The production quality is top-notch as well, and should definitely not be overlooked, with meticulous attention paid to detail that allows each sonic element to shine while maintaining a cohesive and atmospheric sound. Činčura masterfully integrates live drums into the electronic mood while infusing a plethora of otherworldly sounds. This is heard as well in Matej Turcer's role in mixing and mastering, who enhanced every composition throughout the recording process, especially in the other two singles which have been released to date, Ľad v Kvetoch (Ice in the flowers) and Šerosvit (Clairobscure). The final result is a compelling and immersive experience that marks another step forward for Prie100r in the dark electronic music scene.
And the Florkster’s prognosis? I admit that the 12-track album has found its way into lasting rotation and is hands down my favourite release so far in 2024. The fusion of electronic and rock elements showcases the duo's ability to experiment with diverse sonic landscapes, pushing the boundaries of their sound. As the Slovak duo continues to carve their niche, Pierka Vrán solidifies Prie100r as a force to be reckoned with in the realm of innovative and atmospheric music. The final track Nezabudni na to zabudnúť (Don’t forget to forget about it), which is my personal favourite, is pure genius and irony, especially the lingering beauty of Dominika’s voice, which closes the album. Pierka Vrán is definitely a memorable jewel full of talent and ambient beauty that showcases the duo's ability to create emotive and atmospheric compositions.
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