delving is the instrumental project ofElder frontman and multi-instrumentalist Nick DiSalvo and a progressive entity created to explore musical ideas that don’t always fit Elder’s main paradigm. His debut album `Hirschbrunnen` was recorded in the pandemic years when touring was brought to a grinding halt.
The latest release is intended as a subtle rebuff of the old adage “all roads lead to Rome”, the album title `All Paths Diverge` asserts that change is inevitable, and nothing is set in stone.
The album opens with `Sentinel` which from its title would suggest a person employed to guard something, a watchman of sorts but this number is fairly light at times and feels as if you are undertaking a journey or expedition, possibly a futuristic one. There`s an expansive or endless texture to `Omnipresence` which equates to being present or having an effect everywhere at the same time. It begins with a kind of sci-fi ambience and put me in mind of films such as the eighties movie `Android` for some reason. The number at times led me into a self-reflective almost philosophical temperament.
`Chain Of Mind` has a recurring cyclic feel and an underlying sense of vulnerability. There`s rolling drum swathes, synth tones and guitar riffs on route on this thoughtful offering. The title `New Meridian` may hint at the imaginary north–south line on the Earth’s surface that connects both geographic poles and again it`s a deeper ruminating composition, which becomes quite hypnotic as it evolves and has a kind of flow or energy about it. The piece enjoys a more prog like ambience in the last couple of minutes of its life.
`Zodiak` in name, possibly refers to an imaginary belt in the heavens that includes the apparent paths of most of the planets and is divided into 12-star groups or signs. It does have a kind of celestial or Galactic aura. I felt at times as if I were undertaking an interplanetary voyage into a place beyond my comprehension. An ascetic is a person who leads an austerely simple life, especially one who abstains from the normal pleasures of life or denies himself or herself material satisfaction. `The Ascetic` appears to almost mirror that sense of simplicity and solitude with its modest and minimal sound and perception.
The album closes out with `Vanish With Grace` which again gives an impression of travelling at speed or at least a fluidity of movement.
I have started to derive pleasure from instrumental releases, maybe is down to a maturity in age, who knows but for me they give the listener or participant a chance to interpret these soundscapes in a way that they can comprehend in a much more personal or individual means. It may well be a million miles from the artists concept, image, and/or vision but at least it promotes thought and imagination.
Delve into and allow `All Paths Diverge` to take you on its own separate journey, pathway or route, it`ll be an hour well spent.
Rating 8.5/10
