Kotlovan - Beyond Sense
Released: January 2 In his first release of 2026, multi-instrumentalist and composer Farkhad Saidmuratov brings us a somewhat brief but intricate four track EP. The pieces are predominantly piano-driven but feature a wealth of accompaniments that bring on a sense of slight bewilderment and intrigue. There is no overarching emotional theme here as in some of his previous works, but the complexity of the compositions creates an atmosphere of mystery combined with a free-form nature. The opening track “Saturnine” brings about this intrigue very carefully through the use of alternatively plodding and elevating piano arpeggios and the clever use of subtle atmospheric elements. It’s a gentle start to the album, but not some much that it fails to assert itself. Some rather interesting moments happen in the latter half of the EP, specifically on “Dyr but shchyl.” The piano melody feels slightly plaintive but any trace of mourning is erased by this very odd presentation. It plods alo...
