Ott- Hiraeth

Album Review: Ott – Hiraeth (2024)

You want Ott? You get Ott.

With “Hiraeth”, Ott delivers exactly what his fans expect: a deep dive into the immersive world of psychedelic dub and trip-hop. The intricate production, the warm layers of organic and electronic sounds, and the enveloping atmosphere make it clear that Ott remains a master of his craft. The album is classic Ott — detailed soundscapes that draw the listener into a rich, trippy audio journey.

Ott once described his creative process with a mix of humor and self-awareness:

“My entire approach could be summed up in terms of throwing shit at a wall and seeing what sticks. I do have a very slippery wall though, and my shit is made of Teflon.”

This playful analogy perfectly encapsulates his blend of experimentation and precision. While much of his work may begin in a freeform, trial-and-error style, the final product is anything but random. Hiraeth reflects this — rich, polished, and meticulously arranged, despite the playful chaos that might have sparked its creation. His music feels like the product of countless ideas, refined until only the most cohesive and immersive remain.

The overarching feeling of Hiraetha title for a track that I used before, a Welsh word for a deep longing or nostalgia for a home that may never have existed — runs through the entire album. This emotional undercurrent is perfectly reflected in the melancholic yet soothing atmosphere that defines the record. The production is flawless, the arrangements are lush, and the use of space and dynamics is truly masterful.

Yet, the album also exemplifies “You want Ott? You get Ott” — and therein lies its greatest strength, but also its limitation. For fans of Ott’s earlier works like “Mir” or “Skylon”, “Hiraeth” is everything they love, with its downtempo grooves, hypnotic rhythms, and warm, enveloping textures. But for those looking for a new twist, a bold departure, or even a subtle shift in direction, “Hiraeth” may feel a bit too familiar.

It’s been a while since Ott released a full studio album, and while his live shows with Ott & The All Seeing I gave fans a taste of something fresh, “Hiraeth” leans heavily on the established sound that made him a beloved figure in the psy-dub world. The album feels like a comfortable return home rather than a journey into uncharted territory. This album showcases Ott’s ability to craft beautiful, flowing pieces that are rich with detail—but they also feel like they could have fit seamlessly on his previous albums.

For listeners who crave something groundbreaking, “Hiraeth” might feel like a missed opportunity. The meticulous layering, the deep basslines, and the atmospheric swells and glitchy sequences and effects are all there, but the sense of innovation that defined Ott’s earlier work is somewhat gone. It’s as if Ott is playing it safe within his well-defined genre, rather than pushing the boundaries of what his music could be. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing — fans of his classic sound will find a lot to love here — but it does make “Hiraeth” feel like an album for the faithful rather than one that will expand his audience.

However, despite these (hopefully fair) criticisms, there are definitely those moments of brilliance scattered throughout the album, as one would expect from Ott. The careful balance of tension and release, and the way Ott uses space to create an almost meditative experience. His skill at building soundscapes that feel both organic and synthetic remains unparalleled.

In conclusion, “Hiraeth” is a strong addition to Ott’s discography, though it doesn’t break new ground. It’s an album that knows its audience and delivers exactly what they want: lush, psychedelic dub with all the familiar elements of Ott’s signature style. But while it’s a satisfying listen, it’s hard not to feel a lingering sense of hiraeth for the innovation that once defined his music.

Ultimately, “Hiraeth” is like reconnecting with an old friend: comforting, familiar, and satisfying — but without the surprises that make such reunions unforgettable.

I love this guy and his music. Buy and stream here.

Alexei Navalny Marching In 2017

The Greatest Martyr of Our Times: Alexei Nawalny

Listen, I’ve got something very obvious to tell you. You’re not allowed to give up. If they decide to kill me, it means that we are incredibly strong.

Alexei Navalny

As the world lies in shambles, I find myself wrestling with a sorrow that feels as vast as the night sky. The news of Alexei Navalny’s passing isn’t just a headline; it’s a tragedy that leaves a huge void in my heart. Navalny, a beacon of hope in the oppressive gloom of Putin’s Russia, has been extinguished, and with him, a piece of my own hope dims.

This loss is weirdly personal. Navalny’s courage, his unyielding stand against a regime that knows no bounds of cruelty, has always been a source of inspiration for me. His fight was not just for the soul of Russia but for the universal values of freedom and justice. To know that his voice has been silenced is to feel a cold shadow fall over the very ideals I hold dear.

The comparison between Putin and the tyrants of history, like Hitler, is a stark reminder of the darkness that can consume nations when power is unchecked. Navalny stood against this darkness, armed with nothing but his conviction and the belief in a better future. His murder is a chilling testament to the lengths tyrants will go to maintain their grip on power, and it echoes a history we’ve vowed never to repeat.

I struggle to find words that can adequately express the depth of my grief. It’s a sadness that seeps into the bones, a sense of hopelessness that is hard to shake. Navalny’s fight, his sacrifice, resonates with a part of me that believes in the power of standing up for what is right, even in the face of insurmountable odds.

This isn’t just the mourning of a public figure; it’s the mourning of a kindred spirit, a fellow warrior in the fight for a world where justice prevails. Yet, in this moment of deep sorrow, I am reminded of the resilience of the human spirit. Navalny’s legacy is not just in the battles he fought but in the indomitable will he embodied. It’s a legacy that challenges us to carry forward the torch of freedom, to stand against tyranny with the same courage and determination.

As I navigate through a sea of sadness, I am struck by the realization that our fight is far from over. Navalny’s spirit, his unwavering belief in a better future, serves as a beacon in these dark times. It’s a call to action, a reminder that we must continue the struggle for justice, for freedom, for the very soul of our humanity.

In honoring Navalny’s memory, I find a glimmer of hope amidst the despair. It’s a hope that springs from the conviction that ultimately, light will prevail over darkness. This journey is fraught with pain and loss, but it’s a journey we must undertake, inspired by the lives of those like Navalny, who dared to dream of a better world.

To Alexei, your passing has left a void that words cannot fill. But in my heart, and in the hearts of countless others, your legacy lives on. You inspire everyone to fight for for freedom.

Rest in peace, Alexei Navalny. Your battle may have ended, but your spirit marches on, a guiding light in our darkest hours.

Alexei Navalny has two children. He is survived by his daughter, Daria Navalnaya, and his son, Zakhar Navalny. Daria has been notably active and vocal in advocating for her father’s release and human rights in Russia, especially during the periods of his imprisonment. The involvement of his family, particularly Daria, in speaking out against the injustices faced by Navalny has brought a personal dimension to his political struggle, highlighting the impact of his fight not just on the political landscape but on his family as well.

To Navalny’s wife, children, family, and friends: your pain is felt by those of us who, from afar, have admired and been inspired by Alexei’s courage. I cannot begin to comprehend the depth of your loss, but I stand with you in your grief, honoring the memory of a man who gave everything for the belief in a better world.

Beyond Words: Why the Generic Masculine Still Holds Value

In a world that’s constantly changing, where every word is dissected and every phrase analyzed, the debate over the generic masculine stands as a testament to the complexities of language and society. Words are tools, yes, but they are also more than that. They are the framework through which we interpret the world, and yet they are not the world itself. They are symbols, and like all symbols, they are subject to interpretation. Just like my music, which is mostly without lyrics. But despite that, music is a form of communication. It’s language, subject to interpretation.

The generic masculine has come under fire. Critics argue that it’s a relic, a leftover from a time when men were the default, the standard, the norm. They call for new language, inclusive language, language that reflects the diversity of human experience. But here’s the thing: language is a reflection of the mind, and the mind is where discrimination takes root. You can change the words all you want, but if the mind remains unaltered, you’ve achieved nothing. You’ve put a new coat of paint on a crumbling wall.

Before we go any further, let’s make one thing clear: the issue of gender identity is a separate matter altogether. My stance on the generic masculine should not be conflated with my views on gender identity. I am the best man to a queer couple, comprised of a trans woman and a cis woman. I understand that there are individuals who feel they were born into the wrong gender, and I respect their journey. This is not about denying the complexities of gender identity; it’s about the complexities of language and interpretation.

Equality, for me, is not just a matter of words; it’s a matter of action. It’s embedded in my daily behavior, emanating from my core beliefs. When I use the generic masculine, I do so with the full understanding that I am referring to all genders. My use of the term is not a reflection of bias or exclusion, but a linguistic choice rooted in a broader perspective of equality.

This brings me to the topic of gendered language, a subject that has become increasingly contentious. I reject the push for gendered language for two fundamental reasons. First, we already have a well-functioning language. It has evolved over centuries, shaped by countless influences, and it serves its purpose well. To dismantle it in the name of progress is to ignore the richness and complexity that make it what it is. Second, language and culture cannot be forced; they must evolve organically. You can’t dictate how people speak or think; you can only influence it. And influence is a slow, gradual process, one that takes place over generations, not overnight.

Interpretation is a tricky thing. It’s influenced by our experiences, our culture, our personal biases. When you hear the word “man,” you bring to it a lifetime of experiences that color its meaning. It’s never just a word; it’s a word seen through the lens of your life. And that lens is never neutral; it’s always weighted, always influenced by a myriad of factors that you may not even be aware of. You hear “man,” and you think “human,” encompassing both male and female. Someone else hears “man,” and they think “male.” Neither interpretation is right or wrong; they’re just different, shaped by different lives, different experiences.

And that brings us to the crux of the matter: responsibility. I can’t control how you interpret my words. I can’t control the lens through which you see the world. I can only control my own lens, my own interpretation. And for the vast majority of people, “man” means “human,” irrespective of gender. When I use the generic masculine, I do so with the understanding that it includes everyone, not just one sex or gender. I don’t intend to discriminate or to exclude. But I also can’t be responsible for how you interpret my words. That’s your responsibility, shaped by your lens, your life.

So where does that leave us? It leaves us with a choice. We can focus on the words, dissect them, analyze them, change them. Or we can focus on the real issue: the mind. Changing the words without changing the mind achieves nothing. It’s a superficial solution to a deep-rooted problem. But change the mind, and the words will follow naturally. They’ll become what they were always meant to be: tools to communicate, not the final destination.