The 147th edition of the long-running Mood Seriesintroduces a fresh new name to its catalog: Marek Bartunek, a Czech-born, Scotland-based musician, DJ, remixer and visual artist. His debut for the label, Images Without Meanings, is a five-track release that balances atmosphere, structure and mood.
The title track, 'Images Without Meanings', begins with an airy, dreamlike quality. Hovering chords and a firm beat create an organic, almost cinematic world. By the end, the echo blossoms until it feels like a fading memory. Its counterpart, 'Movies Without Sound', follows with metallic chords that bounce as if off unseen surfaces. It's a track that thrives on layering. Deep, mid-tempo and brimming with a sense of quiet contentment. 'What Ifs Without Hopes' pushes things into darker, heavier territory. Anchored by the record's boldest bassline, it builds with aquatic textures and cavernous resonance. The swirling chords and hypnotic groove add to the momentum. From there, 'About The Scene' (featuring Inzajeano)introduces a sharper focus. The track is addictive in its straightforward execution, where crisp echoes and detailed sound design fuse into something classy. Closing the release, Inzajeano's Sound Remixof the opener adds a fresh, tech-driven dimension. It fades in slowly, unveiling a slick bassline and unique rhythmic shape. A worthy reinterpretation that underscores the project's versatility.
Overall, Images Without Meaningsis a striking release for Bartunek on the Mood Series. It has a balance of introspection and finesse, proving he's a talent to watch as both a producer and conceptual sound artist.