Received, but not heard: Twilight of Perception Redux: Volume One 1990-1998 (ZOHARUM ZOHAR 336-2), by Vidna Obmana. The Polish Zoharum label has been repackaging a lot of the work of Dirk Serries over the years, but this one is bound to appeal to hard-core fans of the droning Belgian creator with his strange electronics and treated field recordings. Across three CDs, you’ll find oodles of rarities and compilation tracks, originally released as solo records or Vidna’s contributions to “Various Artist” items, for such labels as Multimood, Godsend Magazine, Asphodel, Sombient, Hypnos, and Marginal Talent. The press blurb is quick to point out that it would be almost impossible to find or purchase originals of these small-run items, some of them now 25 years old. Haven’t heard it; but it’s interesting that the track titles indicate a certain consistency in the rather abstract themes that interest this careful composer; weather, the environment, light and shade, space and distances, colours, uncertainty and memory. (09/01/2025)
