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Clark’s 2019 album Kiri Variations returns in this reissue, offering a fresh opportunity to dive into the haunting and cinematic world crafted by the British electronic artist. Best known for his dynamic electronic productions, Clark has continuously evolved his sound, and this album represents a more delicate, yet emotionally charged direction. Originally developed as a score for Euros Lyn’s 2018 television series Kiri, the music takes a softer, more contemplative approach compared to his previous releases, like 2017’s Death Peak. The result is a captivating blend of melody, harmony, and ambient textures, showcasing his ability to craft deeply moving soundscapes.
Across Kiri Variations, Clark shifts his usual sonic intensity toward a more refined, acoustic-driven experience. The album leans heavily on strings and pianos, bringing an elegant simplicity to tracks like “Simple Homecoming Loop” and “Tobi Thwarted,” which echo the emotional depth of artists like Ólafur Arnalds. Meanwhile, the subtle influence of William Basinski is evident in the way Clark employs repetition and degradation to enhance the atmosphere. The result is an album that feels intimate yet expansive, with a cinematic quality that evokes strong visual imagery.
Despite the shift to a more acoustic-led sound, Kiri Variations retains the unsettling undertones that fans have come to expect from Clark. Tracks such as “Bench” build tension through the gradual introduction of eerie synth drones, adding layers of dissonance beneath the otherwise gentle instrumentation. This technique mirrors the darker, more dystopian elements found in earlier works, though now delivered in a more nuanced and restrained manner. Occasionally, Clark’s love for maximalist soundscapes resurfaces, particularly in the haunting choir of “Goodnight Kiri” and the distorted, Oneohtrix Point Never-esque synths on “Banished Hymnal.”
In this 2019 reissue, Kiri Variations reaffirms Clark’s versatility as both a composer and producer. While it may not have the heavy electronic beats of his earlier works, the album is a masterclass in creating tension through subtlety. Its melodic beauty, combined with its eerie sonic textures, makes it an essential listen for fans of electronic and ambient music alike. With echoes of Jon Hopkins and Thom Yorke’s film scores, Kiri Variations stands as one of Clark’s most mature and emotionally resonant works to date.
