Patrick Belaga—Solar Calf

The opening track, "Axis", gave me that same feeling of excitement I had when I first heard the opening movement of "Canto Ostinato". Driven by piano, it's the repetition and subtle variations that really drew me in. The melody is constantly evolving, but only in the smallest of ways, creating something that's both hypnotic and endlessly engaging. If I had one criticism, it's simply that the track is too short, coming in at just over three minutes. I could happily have listened to it for twice as long.

"Lake" follows a similar approach, but with a different palette of sounds. I found myself trying to work out exactly what was driving the piece. At times it feels like an electric guitar, at others percussion, while a xylophone weaves through the arrangement. On paper it sounds like an unusual combination, but once you're immersed in the music it all fits together naturally.

Taking things in a slightly different direction while retaining the same underlying sense of repetition, "Plotted Graph" introduces what feels like a subtle Caribbean influence. Oddly enough, it also reminded me of parts of the soundtrack from Schwarzenegger's "Commando". As the track unfolds, it gradually becomes more frenetic, shifting the mood and introducing a stronger electronic flavour without losing the hypnotic quality established earlier.

I'll leave the track by track breakdown there. All nine tracks share the same core ingredient of repetition and drone, yet each develops its own distinct soundscape and personality. If this kind of music appeals to you, as it certainly does to me, it becomes almost like a personal soundtrack, something to put on when you want to focus, reflect or simply lose yourself for a while. For others, it may not have the same immediate appeal, but I'd encourage anyone not to dismiss it out of hand. Given the time and space to really listen, I think many people would come away pleasantly surprised.

If there was one thing I'd love to hear explored in the future, it would be a piece built around a pipe organ. There's something about these compositions that feels quietly Bach-inspired, and I'd love to hear this minimalist, drone-based approach applied to the sheer power of an organ. Imagine the weight and grandeur of "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor", but filtered through this repetitive, slowly evolving style. I think that could be something truly special.

Another excellent release, and one that will definitely be finding a place in my playlist.