Monologues is the most recent album from London-based ambient producer Iván Muela. Released on the Rusted Tone tape label, the album sees the artist develop intense and brooding atmospheres over five tracks. Opener Whisper is a gentle introduction, heavily effected piano tones aimlessly but happily segueing into a tapestry of ambiences and foley. Howl sees rich synth evolve over six minutes, while a simple and delayed melody joins and eventually brings the track to a close. Say is a display of focus, with its airy yet contradictorily deep synth tones breathing and swirling to a climax before gentle brass sounds close.
Hum sees a more explicit and tonal synth-wave morph and twist around itself for three-and-a-half minutes of what some may call noodling. Closer and personal favourite Yell takes the best of the album's exploration of tones and stretches it to a gargantuan twelve minutes, guiding the listener through a sonic landscape. While not reinventing the genre, nor being keen on adding much seasoning to the medium-rare mixes, this album is a worthwhile addition to your ambient and drone collection.
★★★½
Reviewed by Jay Honeycomb on February 26th 2022
Rating: 3.5