The ambient genre can often feel like a forest at twilight—both inviting and treacherous, filled with familiar sounds that still manage to unsettle. Uhushuhu’s latest album, "Zvirat", released under Zoharum by the end of 2023, takes this analogy quite literally. Recorded in the expansive, enigmatic terrains of Kazakhstan, "Zvirat" is less an album and more a sound diary of a journey into the sonic unknown, one that brims with reflective, meditative textures.

Pavel Dombrovskiy, the mastermind behind this project, has again managed to invite us into his labyrinthine mindscape, this time with Lilia Akivenson by his side. Together, they’ve crafted five lengthy compositions that revel in the ambient/drone style. But beware, dear listener, this isn’t your typical background music for a yoga session or a candlelit bath — this is an auditory expedition that demands attention and rewards the patient.

Opening with "chashchöba", a 17-minute odyssey, one immediately senses the dense undergrowth of sound. Synths weave through layers of field recordings and found sounds, creating an atmosphere that’s simultaneously thick and ephemeral. The track feels like stumbling upon a hidden grove where every rustle and chirp tells a story. It's an immersive experience, albeit one that might feel like wading through sonic quicksand if you’re not in the right headspace.

"Beg" follows, clocking in at nearly 11 minutes. This piece is slightly more accessible, with melodica and guitar adding a hint of structure to the ambient wash. It’s as if you've reached a clearing by a riverbank, where the chaos of the forest gives way to a gentle, reflective flow. Yet, there's always that underlying tension, a reminder that you're still in untamed territory.

"Mléko" offers a brief respite at just over 6 minutes. Its title, translating to "milk", seems apt for its soothing, almost nurturing soundscape. However, don’t be lulled into complacency. Even in its tranquility, there’s a subtle undercurrent of unease, like milk that's just on the verge of turning sour.

The album’s centerpiece, "uoboos", is a nearly 19-minute exploration of cyclical themes, much like the mythical ouroboros it hints at. This track is where Dombrovskiy and Akivenson truly flex their ambient muscles, crafting a piece that feels both infinite and introspective. It’s a sonic snake eating its own tail, a loop that could either comfort or confound, depending on your disposition.

Finally, "povítríe" closes the album with a breath of fresh air, translating to "air". It packs a punch with its light, ethereal quality. It’s as if, after the deep dive into the thick of the forest, you’ve emerged on a hilltop, the oppressive canopy giving way to open skies and clear vistas.
In the grand tapestry of ambient music, uhushuhu’s "Zvirat" stands out as a challenging yet rewarding listen. It's comparable to works by Robert Rich and Alio Die, artists who also excel at creating immersive worlds within their soundscapes. However, where Rich might offer a warm embrace and Die a meditative trance, uhushuhu delivers an experience that’s more raw and elemental.

"Zvirat" sounds like a journey, a diary of emotions and thoughts captured in sound, meant to be experienced deeply and reflectively. If you’re willing to embark on this journey, to traverse the dense sonic forest and navigate its myriad paths, "Zvirat" will prove to be a profoundly enriching experience. Just make sure you’re ready for what you might find lurking in the depths.