Jacek Wanat, also known as CHORE IA, delivers a hauntingly beautiful exploration of sound with his latest double album, "Postscriptum / Neogolizmowa". Released in collaboration with Antenna Non Grata, this project is a masterful blend of drone, ambient, and experimental electronics that challenges the listener to delve deep into its intricate layers.

"Postscriptum" kicks off with "I’m waiting for nothing to happen", a track that sets the stage with its meditative, almost anticipatory mood, with a title that ironically captures what is considered to theessence of ambient music, according to some listeners — its purpose is to be both something and nothing, existing in a liminal space (many attentive listeners will love that violin played as if it acts like the sinister laughing of a clown). It's also as if Wanat is inviting us to pause and reflect, a theme that continues throughout the album. The listener is gently coerced into a contemplative state, only to be jostled awake by the haunting undercurrents of drone. The true stars of this section are the two extended compositions: "I DIE / RESPIRATEUR" and "THEY SAY NOTHING / ILS SONT MORTS". These tracks, each approximately 17 minutes long, immerse the listener in dark, hypnotic soundscapes. They evoke a sense of foreboding reminiscent of Lovecraftian horror, making you feel as though you’re witnessing secretive, occult rituals in a decaying urban church.

In "Revers", Wanat explores the transient nature of thoughts and emotions with a shorter, yet equally compelling piece. The album closes its first part with "I’m raining", which, despite its melancholic undertone, offers a glimpse of hope and renewal. Wanat’s compositions here are not just music, but a form of sonic poetry, drawing the listener into a contemplative state.

The second disc, "Neogolizmowa" (firstly released on cassette in 1995), revisits Wanat’s earlier work with fresh material and previously unreleased tracks. The opening track "ccC" is a brief but intense introduction (the shouted lyrics over a syncopated drumming played over what sounds like the noisy ticking of an old alarm clock), leading into "walczyQ", which features a hypnotic rhythm that captures the listener's attention by a kind of desperately grotesque march. "Zamknite Drzwi: I DIE" (meaning "Closed Door: I DIE") stands out with its haunting interplay of cello and bass over a slightly nervous suspense, highlighting Wanat’s versatility as a visionary musician.

Tracks like "szturH" and "Mito" showcase Wanat’s experimental flair, their brevity leaving a lasting impact. Pieces such as "Wielblad" and "Ed" offer a playful contrast to the darker tones of "w kazdej dziurze s" (Polish for "there’s a hole in every hole") and "i raz jeszcze…. I DIE" (meaning "and once again... I DIE"), the latter providing a revisited perspective on themes from "Postscriptum".

The bonus tracks from recent years seamlessly blend with the earlier recordings, showcasing Wanat’s consistent artistic vision. The "Post Scriptum TRIPTYCH" tracks—"aa…", "jestem psem", and "tak ju mam" — serve as a fitting epilogue, merging old and new elements into a cohesive narrative.

The music almost contionuously evokes feelings of unease and discomfort. Attentive listeners cannot but praise Wanat for creating a subtly menacing and disturbingly peaceful sound that lingers with them, making it a challenging but rewarding experience for those who dare to explore it.

Wanat’s music transports the listener into a deeply personal and introspective world. His use of field recordings and unconventional sound objects, recorded both at home and in Studio CZAD, adds authenticity and intimacy to the compositions. The lyrics, when present, are in Polish, adding an additional layer of mystique and depth.

While comparisons to other dark-ambient (a really unfitting label for this artist, in spite of the stylistic analogy of some outputs) and experimental artists are inevitable, Wanat’s work stands out due to its raw emotional intensity and the seamless integration of various sonic elements. The ethereal and calm nature of the music is often juxtaposed with an underlying sense of menace and unease, creating a unique paradoxical listening experience that keeps you on edge.

This album is a must-listen for those who appreciate the art of sound and the beauty of introspection, offering a challenging yet deeply satisfying experience for the courageous listener.