Violet Cold – “kOsmik” EP REVIEW [Music]

kOsmik is total Cause bait. Violet and cold are two of my favourite things. There’s a cool sigil on the cover, and I had to run co-ordinates to find their point of origin (Azerbaijan). Symbols and little mysteries to solve – building upon such intriguing tags as “blackgaze” and “doomgaze.”

I am going to assume that this was made for me.

kOsmik hits many of my g-spots, though musically it was somewhat different from what I expected. Yes, there were other tags like “atmospheric black metal” and “post-hardcore;” but it still provided many delicious surprises along the way.

Violet Cold really knows how to cook with these ingredients, as “Contact” proves. Samples from radio comms mix with choral tones, creating a beautiful, atmospheric and strangely energising experience. Then some soaring guitars step in, building to a glorious climax.

“Black Sun” introduces us to the magic at the core of kOsmik. Various threads entwine, separate and come together again. A rolling drum beat gives way to manic screaming; softer vocals bewitch us, they all mesh, another soaring riff plays. Part of me feels like this shouldn’t work, but oh my it does.

“Mamihlapinatapai” is the EPs finest song. Again there was the initial delight drawn from researching what that actually means. The word comes from the Yaghan language of South America, specifically Tierra del Fuego or (awesomely) the “Land of Fire.” Mamihlapinatapai is acknowledged as one of the hardest words to translate, but some have agreed upon what it describes:

…that look across the table when two people are sharing an unspoken but private moment. When each knows the other understands and is in agreement with what is being expressed. An expressive and meaningful silence.

Silence obviously doesn’t count in this context, but the rest of it feels appropriate. Without words, Violet Cold is sharing something epic but intimate with us. Something visceral yet transcendental.

Also, the guitars on “Mamihlapinatapai” remind me of early Editors. A fact which would’ve justified my love of it alone.

The biggest surprise kOsmik has to offer comes right at the end: “Al(r).” Or as it’s better known: Bach’s “Air On The G String.” Yes the classic Hamlet cigars ad jingle has a chilled out synth cover, and it’s a wonderful way to wind things down. It remains soothing and beautiful, but it still maintains much of the EPs aura.

I listen to many exquisite acts as a result of what I do here. Unfortunately I’m rarely able to deep dive through their discographies. But I have to unearth those other treasures Violet Cold must be carrying. Until I get back, make sure you take care of this one.