Welsh-Cornish solo artist Ani Glass returns with the atmospheric avant-pop wonder ‘Phantasmagoria’, a haunting and transcendent single that offers an inventive, experimental electronic sound pallet and hazy ethereal melodies. The title track from the upcoming album, the track gives a taste of what can be expected across the full release.
Steeped in otherworldly, pillowy textures and underpinned by emotional clarity, the track marks a striking evolution in Glass’s sonic universe – one that merges lush, shimmering instrumentation with a profound sense of stillness and introspection. Delivered almost entirely in Welsh, the track not only showcases Glass’ deft musical touch through its rich synthesis, the track also acts as an affirmation of cultural identity.
Co-produced by Iwan Morgan and enriched by the swirling flutes of Laura J Martin, ‘Phantasmagoria’ is a mesmeric piece of avant-pop that moves fluidly between the mystical and the meditative. With synth pulses echoing like distant waves and layered vocals that nod to the sonic elegance of early Goldfrapp and 90s chillout, with the immersive calm of Enya. At the 3 minute mark, the track makes an unexpected sonic shift before closing in a final dreamlike flourish.
Drawing from the influence of Arthur Russell, whose experimental cello work inspired her to take up the instrument, Glass’s sound is both exploratory and emotionally grounded. On ‘Phantasmagoria’, she weaves together electronic textures, ambient classical flourishes, and bold vocal arrangements to create something that feels both futuristic and yet reminiscent of classic lo-fi electronica.
Listen below:
