Exzald S - Iridesc (2025)

Paris-based artist Sarah Foulquiere, performing under the moniker Exzald S, has released her debut album, 'Iridesc,' on the Subtext label. The work is a collection of pristine ambient hymns inspired by medieval mysticism (Hildegard von Bingen), shoegaze (Cocteau Twins), IDM (Autechre), and avant-garde jazz (Sidsel Endresen). The album, which arrives nearly a decade after her 2017 EP 'Death is the Goddess,' retains its atmosphere but with a more refined aesthetic. In 'Iridesc,' the compositional structures are almost entirely dissolved, giving way to pungent trace elements, cybernetic sounds, and a processed voice that references Celtic folk in the track 'Vallis.' Tracks like 'Zeph' and the nine-minute title track utilize trance-y arpeggios, sliced voices, as well as broken string flourishes and drones. The album extensively uses advanced sound design, connecting various historical and architectural motifs, and is a logical continuation of Foulquiere's collaboration with her labelmate Aho Ssan. 'Iridesc' is recommended listening for those who enjoyed Aho Ssan and Resina's 'Ego Death.'

Tracklist:
1-1 Exzald S - Vallis [6:11]
1-2 Exzald S - Zeph [3:56]
1-3 Exzald S - Lorica [2:02]
1-4 Exzald S - Iridesc [8:59]
1-5 Exzald S - Garden [5:47]
1-6 Exzald S - Lore [3:09]
1-7 Exzald S - Eyesmelt [6:46]
1-8 Exzald S - Decider [6:47]