CITY OF DAWN Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Damien Duque aka. City Of Dawn delivers his next ambient record, Invincible Summer, adding to the recent trend of ambient titles fashioned after philosophical quotations. The reference in this case is Albert Camus, who penned the aphorism - "in the depths of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer" - in his lesser-spotted memento Return To Tipasa. It's clear that existentialism is a school that resonates with Duque most relevantly; the Texan artist is known for his atmospheric works dealing in themes of embattled anxiety, overcoming, self-reflection, and autism advocacy. Evoking a space of tranquility reachable only via the hard wins of deep inner work, City Of Dawn's texturized, fluting, bell-laden incantations are a striking match to the crux of Camus' philosophy: that even in the hardest of times, there always exists an inner realm of strength and resilience.

Review: It's not just a clever name. Zake and City Dawn have come up with a record that genuinely sounds like the reflective moods that so often follow great loss, realised on record. Sweeping synth-strings on 'We Once Believed We Owned The Sky' only serving to reiterate the sense of lamentation that seems to pervade every corner of this album.

Sometimes looking back on what was but will never be again is the only real way of making ourselves feel better - by connecting to intensely emotional memories we can trigger an outpouring that's truly cathartic. As if following that pattern, Frizzell & Duque: A Sorry Unrequited is a strangely uplifting experience by the time we're listening to the closing bars of 'The Sparrow's Flight', even if that's only because of the sense that others have the capacity to feel the same as we do.

Review: Certain Path is a serene, piano-driven album by collaborators zake (aka label head Zach Frizzell), From Overseas which is Kevin Sery and City of Dawn aka Damien Duque. This reflective collection of seven pieces invites deep contemplation with tender piano motifs and subtle drones creating a meditative atmosphere. Opening with 'Where Time Slows Down,' the album blends delicate melodies with layered guitar textures. Inspired by Frizzell's wife, the title track offers heartfelt emotion, while 'Avec l'aide de Vincent' honours a close mentor. Throughout, the artists employ nocturnal recording sessions, field recordings and analogue treatments to craft an introspective, evocative listening experience.