Written: 18th February 2025
As one half of atmospheric prog duo Iamthemorning, Russian pianist Gleb Kolyadin is no stranger to creating music that inspires and enthrals. Praised for his technical proficiency, artistic vision and the ability to merge diverse musical genres, he has been involved in many compelling works. Mobula is the first album fully conceived and produced in the UK, following his relocation two years ago under a Global Talent visa. Throughout Mobula, Kolyadin works with a range of talented musicians on an album described in the press notes as, “A sci-fi-inspired odyssey that captures the spirit of grace and exploration embodied by the album’s titular oceanic creature.”
Mobula is a suite of fourteen instrumental short stories, each acting like a colourful novella. First track Parallax begins gently with Kolyadin playing harpsichord like chords before being joined by the undulating bass of Zoltan Renaldi. Layers of instrumentation are added as the song develops. A range of enticing synth sounds ebb and flow on a track that is full of bright and verdant optimism. An introspective section during the song’s final quarter features the exquisite cello of Ilya Izmaylov leaving the listener in a state of questioning.
First single from the album, Glimmer has a slightly faster tempo and has the feeling of movement and exploration woven within the repeating piano motif. Listeners are taken on a wave, as if flying towards our destination, Renaldi’s bass insistent in its direction. It is testament to Kolyadin’s skill in arrangement that the theme remains intoxicating throughout Glimmer’s four minutes, the addition of Ford Collier’s delightful low whistles in the latter part of the track adding an otherworldly dimension and extending the feeling of exploration. Glimmer is brought to life in the mesmerising, handcrafted animation by Natalia Ryss seen in the video below.
Afterglow is an altogether more tender affair, almost whimsical in the shadow of Glimmer. Kolyadin is able to create a range of moods with a seemingly effortless regularity. The one hundred year old Broadwood grand piano – that was used throughout the recording process – produces an exquisite tone and in the hands of Kolyadin, the beautiful timbres of Afterglow float like dust dancing in sunlight. Even at two minutes long, fourth track Dawnlight is able to conjure its magical spell, the subtle movements of each instrument - including gossamer-like use of electric guitar - capturing the feel of an awakening world complete with moments of calling birds. Gleb comments, “Dawnlight carries you on a journey from the depths to the shimmering surface, where the water sparkles in the first light of day — bringing a sense of hope, inspiration and inner freedom.”
Radiant continues with this feeling of hope, renewal and the wish for new experiences as the daylight takes full hold. Building across the entirety of the track, this a celebration of everything that is good about the world and how given the right opportunities, it can be a place of wonder. Rustic and sylvan in nature, the use of bansuri and low whistles by Ford Collier is sublime. Two minutes in, the track changes gear and the clever percussion of Evan Carson and piano of Kolyadin combine in one of the album’s most rousingly triumphant moments.
Short track Observer reduces the tempo once more with its charming, swaying piano. Like our attention has been captured by something in the distance, the music is contemplative, full of longing and anticipation. This leads to Transient, rich in sounds and rhythms that convey the essence of a roaming nature. Making use of synths and piano and the always inventive contributions of percussionist Evan Carson, Transient evokes a feeling of determination and the need to act on the recent reflections of Observer. Crystalline finds Kolyadin alone at the piano, the juxtaposition of occasional bass chords at odds with the susurrant and diaphanous high notes.
Fractured and Tempest as their names suggest are increasingly urgent in approach, the former benefitting from the ominous violin of Harry Isacc Bristow and a melding of instruments that would not be out of place in the score for a dark thriller. Tempest summons visions of rainfall and demanding winds with pulsating beats and dynamic percussive structures. Together, this pair of tracks create some of the few moments on Mobula that musically mirrors a lack of control, a true sense of foreboding and the wish for a resolution.
Nebular returns us to the celestial realm and calmer emotions, albeit still with the feeling of a vast unknown before us. Here, Kolyadin’s understanding of pacing is at the fore. Each note is unhurried and engaging. It is easy to imagine him sitting at the piano, lost in every moment. Shimmer, the longest track on the album at almost six minutes, navigates a spectrum of sentiments, Collier this time utilising low whistles and the double-reeded bombarde to add to the fiesta of elation, when the finale of Shimmer returns to the celebratory auras of Radiant. The key strength of Mobula as an album is Kolyadin’s ability to make the listener feel as if this musical odyssey has been created for them and we are being invited to fully take part.
Mobula concludes with Starfall and Gaia, the former an almost ambient piece that finds Vlad Avy’s blissfully restrained electric guitar encouraging us to look into the distance as soothing piano trickles down in a loving waterfall. Gaia, named for the Greek goddess of the Earth and the mother of all life, sees Kolyadin alone at the piano on a meditative voyage into the soul. Like wandering through a forest reflecting on life, Gaia is a serene musing on what has been, and the unanswerable questions that life poses. It is fitting that the album should end in such away, not only in mood but with Kolyadin left to bid us farewell himself. As the music fades away over the course of more than thirty seconds, listeners are left rapt with the final tones of the piano still lingering in our minds.
With influences ranging from folk to ambient and classical to electronic, Mobula is nothing if not varied in mood and atmosphere. Each track is perfectly titled, reflecting its character and sentiments. It is replete with a vast array of emotions from euphoric highs to contemplative depths to shadowy forewarnings. Iteratively, Kolyadin asks listeners to change their mood with the music and allow the varying auras to sink into our consciousness. Every note comes from Kolyadin’s heart and his ability to paint beautiful pictures with his music is undiminished. With excellent performances from all involved, coupled with innovative arrangements, Mobula - which reveals more of its secrets with each listen - will find favour with those who revel in the power of music (in particular instrumental music) to touch the soul and kindle the imagination.
Mobula is released on 28th February.
Gleb Kolyadin online
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