Mardit B. Lleshi - Habitat (2020)

Habitat is a stunning collection of cello led contemporary classical pieces infused with ambience and modern production techniques. Sparse and brooding opener Ad Modum builds to an atmospheric climax through layers of manipulated sounds courtesy of a slew of effects pedals. Following on to Dichotomy, more girth is added to the arrangement overall, bringing with it a denser and more claustrophobic atmosphere. Lydianophone is more performative, the lead voice of the cello really taking center stage and leading the album forward with a virtuosic display. Epitome (skica r) opens with a morose passage of solo cello set to a subtle atmospheric backdrop building to a layered ambience reminiscent of Mardit’s more electronic focused peers. Finally, we close with somber and powerful Infantila.