“Prima Materia” by Mikhail Tank can be considered a groundbreaking venture, which cannot be described as the artist’s new music album but seems to be more like the initiation. Introducing the ideas based on the concept of “raw soul,” which means the essence of life before being influenced by any social factors or struggles, Tank opens new perspectives for his audience. While listening to these compositions, one will understand that Tank does not follow the latest tendencies of contemporary music. As the founder of the Darksoul Theatre, he employs his knowledge in the sphere of ambient and incorporates a spoken performance technique into the music, creating a movie-like atmosphere. Let’s talk about the EP.

Beginning with “Apex Instinct”, there is a calculated single pulse of dark synth, almost like a beat, a steady beat of a heart which seems to be surfacing from underwater or through a layer of a thick, velvety veil. Instead of using music to introduce itself to the listener, this track takes the approach of creating suspense, and it creates it by means of using a bare, hollow echo, with the spaces between beats being almost as meaningful as the beats themselves. This is music that feels like it is held back by a stalking predator. When the music starts growing and becoming more complex, it doesn’t rush; it ripples out like water, pressing upon you. Thematic development in Apex Instinct can be explained through the philosophy of an “unseen force,” or the primal, pre-conscious impulse that determines our actions. The character in the song mentions that he is the apex creature, a person who will not be domesticated and will not take any nonsense from anyone. In essence, the lyrics become the conductor that leads to this philosophy, stripping humanity of its socialization until one can see its primal instincts. This becomes a discourse on self-trust, particularly in the intuitive sense that serves as a tool of survival in this artificial world. It is the apex of this internal compass that will give one freedom. Musically, this track is an epitome of minimalism. The voice is soft and straightforward; the singer is neither grandiose nor dramatic, but rather conversational and hypnotizingly close to the audience. The instrumentation does not use standard percussion instruments; instead, it offers synthesized soundscapes of a flowing stream of thoughts. Musically, this song gives the listener the sensation of a state of trance, rapt attention, and it forces the mind out of its distractions and into a discussion with itself. This track is definitely not meant to be played in the background; it serves as a guide toward self-reflection and decision-making.

Entry into the realm of “Future Beach” is characterized by a stark increase in brightness within the tonal colors, similar to walking out of a dimmed, cloistered chamber and into a broad, sunny stretch of space. This introduction is made up of reverberating, higher-pitched synthesizer tones that reverberate at a consistent rhythm and feel both open and optimistic. It is open, airy music, and the chords seem soft and pulsating, as if refracted through the water, creating a feeling of optimism. The opening is one of anticipation and promise of horizons yet to be revealed. The thematic development of ” Future Beach” progresses from “instinct” to “manifestation.” The character in the song talks about a tropical island and the perfect oasis of paradise, but it’s not happening right away; he is promising this heavenly place to his future self. This place acts as an escape ground, an inner “beach,” where the waves of anxiousness are cleansed by the clarity of one’s purpose. It resonates with every person who has ever tried to seek a place to rest amid the turmoil of life, and I think we can stand to learn something from this song, a reminder that we deserve relaxation and a place and time to reset. The musical qualities of this track lie in the rich and ambient warmth it generates. The vocal delivery acquires more melody and resonance and moves gracefully over the synthesized backgrounds that offer a luxurious and almost cinematic background. The way the track uses space cannot be faulted, as the instruments breathe in tune with the listener. The result is highly satisfying as it leaves the listener with a lasting feeling of tranquility and optimism. This track is like an exhale of breath that leaves the mind clear and creates room for dreaming.

Not only is the work “Prima Materia” by Mikhail Tank a series of songs, but it also stands as a profound form of auditory alchemy created as though in the depths of an ancient forge, ready for a modern audience. Fueled by the mysterious transformations taking place within the universe and drawing upon them, Tank creates a blend of atmospheric sounds, spoken word parts, and cinematic textures to offer a unique auditory experience. From the moment the very first note sounds, the listener is immersed in a maze of auditory sensations and begins to merge their perception of physicality and metaphysics unexpectedly. The true distinction of this piece among the rest of the clutter in today’s environment is its blatant commitment to the undercurrents of human life. As one who has watched Tank’s artistic journey for years, I am overwhelmed by how easy he seems to navigate through such a complex web of instinct, safeguarding, and the mystifying process of self-discovery. Every song in his repertoire seems to be an intricately chosen amulet, designed to uncover the buried gold that lies in the depths of our soul. He delves into the issues of healing and prosperity in ways more than just metaphorical vibrations. There is a heavy, philosophical aspect to his music that is truly unique; it is the type of music that requires you to stop and really think about your thought process. It is a rare gift to come across an artist who is so open to being this vulnerable and creative, and the outcome is a paradigm-breaking EP that will stick with you even after the very last note is played. I am truly excited to see where this artist’s journey takes him; Mikhail Tank is truly a visionary, and I find myself on the edge of my seat, wondering what else he is going to create.

Stream the “Prima Material” EP on SoundCloud

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