In the captivating realm of British experimental music, Andrew PM Hunt, known by his stage name Dialect, skillfully intertwines the echoes of the past with visions of the future. Since he embarked on this musical journey a decade ago, his work has been a fascinating blend of ethereal recordings featuring traditional instruments alongside polished electronic sounds. This unique fusion creates a mesmerizing atmosphere where it becomes challenging to distinguish between what is performed live, sampled, or digitally crafted—a beautiful haze that evokes both nostalgia and imagination. Hunt describes his creative process in almost idealistic terms, stating that "making music" serves as a declaration of identity and potential: "this is what we are" or "this is what we could be."
His newest EP, titled Full Serpent, represents an ambitious exploration of his artistic vision. This record acts as an epilogue to his earlier 2024 album, Atlas of Green, which narrates the tale of a musician named Green living in a far-off future. The promotional material illustrates Green's quest to discover "lost signals" from the depths of time and technology. Musically, this journey resembles Hunt’s previous works, characterized by snippets of human voices interwoven into a tapestry of tape loops and glitchy sound fragments, all enriched by vibrant sequences of extraterrestrial synth patterns. Inspired by the philosophical writings of Federico Campagna and the anthropological science fiction of Ursula K. Le Guin, the narrative imbues each moment of airy synth melodies with significance and energy.
Full Serpent continues to chronicle Green’s escapades in a futuristic setting where echoes of the past continually emerge from the dust, teeming with color and vitality. The sonic palette remains consistent, featuring extensively processed samples of instruments, distant vocalizations, and rich synth programming. Interestingly, several compositions on this record are collages constructed from sounds and recordings originally created for its predecessor. The EP opens with a distinctive sound reminiscent of a tape being rewound. Throughout its concise 18-minute runtime, Hunt emphasizes that there are still undiscovered spaces within this world, with enigmatic pathways waiting to be explored.
The tracks that resulted from this creative endeavor are some of Hunt’s most vivid and otherworldly works yet. For instance, "Ev’ry Portal Past" bursts forth as a jubilant arrangement of chirping vocal samples, fluttering electronic sounds, and dreamy melodies akin to the first warm rays of sunlight cascading over a desert expanse. The title track embodies an exhilarating vibrancy, transitioning from murmuring drone sounds to sparkling bursts of synth, exuding an infectious energy reminiscent of the early days of Warp Records and the whimsical explorations of ’80s new age self-taught musicians. It’s a style of electronic music brimming with curiosity and exuberance that captivates listeners.
Even the shorter tracks—such as the whimsically undulating "Sky Receiver" or the brief yet lively "Little Fragment"—exude a sense of dynamic movement. The motivations behind Hunt’s central character remain abstract and elusive. Predominantly wordless and loosely structured, it can be challenging to trace a clear narrative if one even exists. However, through his buoyant compositions, Hunt conveys an unyielding spirit of discovery that resonates through each fragmented sample and writhing synth line. Each piece takes unexpected turns, and just when you think you’ve grasped his latest twist, he seamlessly shifts into a new direction.
