The masters of ambient electro are back with a majestic album. Purveyors of orchestrated ambient/electronic music, A Winged Victory for the Sullen return with an album that feels like a tour de force. The duo (composed of Dustin O'Halloran and Adam Wiltzie) has carved out a cult status for themselves over ten years, creating a unique place in the ambient and neo-classical spheres. Their expansive and melancholic sound has led them to work individually in innovative ambient groups (Stars of the Lid, The Dead Texan), as well as to compose iconic film scores. A series of albums on the Erased Tapes and Kranky labels brought them international recognition and a legion of fans, Jon Hopkins first among them. Like Max Richter and Tim Hecker, the duo has built an international reputation by multiplying projects (together or separately): soundtracks for Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette and Jalil Lespert's Iris, for the series Transparent, as well as numerous pieces for theater and contemporary art.
"The Undivided Five," their new album, pays new attention to the details of composition. Influenced by Debussy, their music is imbued with grand chords and complex arrangements. This musical direction is also the fruit of their respect for the late Jóhann Jóhannsson, with whom they collaborated. At his request, they remixed one of his tracks, which brought them a new palette: a new chromatic range for strings, analog synthesizers, and differently arranged piano and strings. "We seek to access the heart of music, its DNA, and follow new paths," they explain. Echoing their concerns, this number five asserts itself throughout their music – the importance of the perfect fifth chord and its perfect harmonies, the five senses, hence the title of this album – The Undivided Five – which is their fifth release!
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