Live Review: Illum Sphere makes a welcome departure with 'Thousand Yard Stare'

Ryan Hunn, AKA Illum Sphere, is set to release his second full-length album, Glass, on November 4th through Ninja Tune. We're pretty excited for that, and to keep that anticipation high, he's released 'Thousand Yard Stare' - almost nine minutes of atmospheric electronica bliss.

'Thousand Yard Stare' is a track that you can get lost in, with its steady 4/4 beat combined with synths that are constantly changing. It's easy to zone out while listening and enter the world of sound that is being created by Illum Sphere. 

As the track progresses, the ethereal lead synth will change and there will be parts where the lead synth goes berserk creating some really glitched-out sounds over the omnipresent 4/4 drum and repeating rhythm synth line. It works due to how immersed you get during the nine minutes of the track. The mix of constant and uncertain is prevalent on this track with the battle between the rhythm and the lead synth.

This track is a big departure form Illum Spheres other works. When asked about his forthcoming album Illum Sphere had this to say: “I wanted to make an album very different to the first...one with a different palette, pace and energy.”

Regardless of whatever direction Illum Sphere chooses, 'Thousand Yard Stare' is proof that he will make quality work no matter the style. We can't wait to hear his full length Glass on November 4th

Words by Aiden Benavides

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