There’s an unfortunate thing about releasing music at the very end of a calendar year. Music journalists have likely wrapped up their Best Of lists and potential fans have packed up the habitual listening habits as they partake in various holiday and Not At Work activities. That being said, it’d be a real bummer to overlook the debut release from faster is faster, An Invisible Red Thread, which was released on December 21st, 2018 – smack dab in the middle of everyone tuning out of the Internet.
The ten song undertaking is an ambient affair; a lyric-less journey that works its way between the foreboding and the optimistic. “The Music as a Caterpillar” stretches out dark synths over interesting beats and loops, while “Mirabile Dictu” sprinkles a lively swirls in between 2001-esque tones. It’s meditative and transfixing to listen to but never reluctant to hold your attention or fade into the background.
Not to bury the lede but the mastermind behind the project is Dillon Smith, most typically known for his guitar work in Protomen. A rabid fan may claim they hear that influence seeping in but it stands on its own. In fact, it’s a more compelling offering because of how much it stands on its own.
Available now on Bandcamp or streaming services.