Zizek likes to say that we cannot properly dream about a future society because global capitalism and democracy shape the conditions of possibilities of our dreams. We cannot think beyond a capitalist lifeworld. What we need is a great momentous, systemic change that will allow us to dream different dreams. I tend to agree. What is not banned, however, is the ability to dream about what it would be like to dream different dreams. That awareness is what I take to be the subject matter of A Winged Victory for the Sullen's new track "Atomos VII." A collaboration between Adam Wiltzie, of Stars of the Lid fame, and post-classical composer Dustin O'Halloran, A Winged Victory falls somewhere between the Sigur Ros of Valtari and Max Richter (with more pronounced strings).
The band's name is suggestive of the overall mood one comes away with when one listens to A Winged Victory for the Sullen: a warm feeling of satiation. As far as the music goes on this track, it's a better-than-standard meditation on being weightless. The strings come through nicely, and the swells of lush harmony add to the gorgeous atmosphere of the track. What's odd is that I undeniably want this song to go on longer, much longer than its 8 minute run time. But perhaps that's a testament to A Winged Victory's effect on our ears, overall - we desire to be in the lap of their beautiful music all of the time. I do wish there were a few more ear catching points to this song. I also wish that the arpeggiated, quasi-staccato strings toward the middle of "Atomos VII" took more of a backseat to Wiltzie's ambience. I can forgive those transgressions, though. I mean, the band's name alone might make up for them.
Look out for the band's Atomos EP coming out this spring. Should be an enjoyable listen.
Rating: 7/10
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