>>STR004 - Skytree - Wilder Forest
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After two net releases on Earstroke Records, Skytree makes its physical debut on the same label with Wilder Forest. The man behind the project is Evan Snyder, another addition to the Midwest IDM scene, yet intent on carving his own niche in the global community. On his fourth release, Snyder is cutting his teeth in the big leagues, attempting to strut his stuff while showing all that early netlabel work played a role in defining his sound and technique.

Snyder's defining characteristic, at least on Wilder Forest, is the strong use of guitar as a rhythmic element. Though he'll inevitably receive many Four Tet jabs for this, it's fair to say that Skytree avoids 'the Hebden sound' by maintaining a relatively smooth (perhaps piecewise continuous) sound, as opposed to Hebden's erratic, choppy bits. The guitar, in particular, is not manipulated as much as many others would dare, and it's this restraint which marks a lot of the work's production. Even the more predictable components of Snyder's pallet, such as the frantic beats, mesh in a way as not to perturb the overall aesthetic of Skytree's music.

Aside from the organic components, such as guitar and field recordings, Skytree uses a solid IDM foundation that's well versed in standard techniques and protocols. The EP's length works in Snyder's favor here; he's able to change the electronic component enough on the disc to keep things sounding fresh for the listener, while not overextending himself and having to rely on recycled material. The beats are sharp and crisp when they need to be, but they also take a backseat for slow dub/chillout motivated tracks as well. In the latter, we see an awesome display of electroacoustic talent, one which could certainly be taken advantage of in future recordings.

Even so, the strongest tracks on offer are the more substantial "St. Croix Boomsite" and "Square, May's and Terrapin." Melodies are so strongly drawn upon and commanded here that the listener feels like a drug addict returning for his latest fix. Combined with a rough and tumble electronic backbone, there's more than enough for the ears to feast on. Progression is a key trait exploited here, as the tracks develop naturally and don't spend too much time on any single idea. The constant growth and sonic dexterity found in these two tracks is the beginning of great things for Snyder.

Skytree's debut is a strong effort that cements his presence as an emerging artist to be on the lookout for. While Wilder Forest will likely not swoon too many IDM aficionados, it will hopefully be a step for a man who's got much bigger things in store for the future. This is merely a taste of things to come.

- Jordan Volz, The Silent Balet

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