Today, however, we emphasise more on how Ciel’s tireless work, dedication and care radiates into her production. Following from Chekov of Leeds and Fred of Bristol, Ciel’s debut 3-track EP will make for the fourth release on Shanti Celeste’s Peach Discs label, of which the label-head herself inaugurated with a 12” just February of this year.
[soundcloud url=”https://soundcloud.com/boltingbits/premiere-ciel-elevate-go-off-mix” /]
Our premiere, the aptly-named middle track ‘Elevate (Go Off Mix)’ on B1 opens gently with fluid, pentatonic contemplations. Shortly, light raw percussive breakbeats cut through almost intrusively, but the two elements soon become unified, melded in by swelling choral synths ahhh-ing over a beautiful, ephemeral memory. A playful woodblock pattern enlivens and refreshes, and a bouncy arpeggiated melodic line dances gracefully with us towards the ending. ‘Elevate’ is at once uplifting and warmly grounding.
Whilst Ciel’s self-released Soundcloud content has been more industrial-leaning, almost sinister with airs of urgency, her forthcoming EP would best be described as heavenly. Both, however, share similarities in Ciel’s eccentric sound programming, unconventional narrative arcs, and play with unlikely yet well-balanced dichotomies. B2 ‘Rain Dance’, for example, pairs a chordal melodic line on marimba-like synths with Baltimore-club-flavoured staccato bass-kick triplets and electro white-noise flutters – wow!
We’re eagerly anticipating Ciel’s ‘Electrical Encounters’ EP. Forthcoming on Peach Discs, it’s set for a November release!
Maria
