A single, droning pad chord acts as the core for each section of Kalitz. From this initial form, the pieces unfold into a flurry of bleeping psychedelic repetition and space-age activity, mashing together keyboard loops from the future with an intriguing dip-of-the-finger in the instruments of Bulgarian culture. The overall sound is deeply inhuman; a synth-laden, cautious journey into the dark, and a slow-moving piece of planetary exploration, embedded in a techno/trip-hop hybrid. Record label Alpha Zero claims that this latest release from the Bulgarian Vataff Project “sounds like nothing ever made”. A bold statement this may be, but I for one struggle to find another album that slots into the same description.

As Kalitz progresses, things begin to stagger from the chilled-out vibe of the opening tracks, and more towards the alien and unknown. The relaxed, more harmonious vibe of the earlier movements gradually disappears as the walls begin to close in from each side, and the sound approaches something of a discordant and paranoid nature. Flashes of eerie ritual chanting emerge from the darkness, whilst melody crumples under dissonant clumps of gloom. It’s a fascinating progression of atmosphere, happening at such a gradual speed that it’s difficult to notice the friendly and familiar musical elements fading around you.

At 80 minutes, and with limited dynamic variation, it’s perhaps too much to digest in one, focused listen. But at the same time, Kalitz is too rewarding to relegate into background listening. This leaves the listener with a dilemma regarding how to approach this release – do you switch off and ingest its daunting entirety in one sitting, or splice it up and fracture the effect achieved by listening from start-to-finish?

Opt for the first option, and the listening session is worth it alone for the blend of relief and satisfaction experienced as the album comes to a close. Perhaps it’s the homesickness, experienced as a result of being outside the atmosphere of Planet Earth for over an hour. Or maybe it’s the realization that, in the case of an artist like Vataff Project, it’s best not to switch off and zone out, but more switch on and embrace the power of mental discovery. A fantastic album.

- Jack Chuter