https://youtu.be/blLXo5vVrGU
Band info
Band: Verstige
Album: ‘Urban Thoughts‘
Released: 1st of March, 2025
Genre: Ambient
Location: Switzerland
Review 
Dense atmospheric synth textures floating around silent screams venturing into the black void of dark midnight suburbia. This might be one possible description of this ambient synth EP delivered to us by an artist working under the name of Verstige. Based in the small town of Yverdon Les Bains, Switzerland, we are invited to listen to this isolation between old churches and the medieval castle once built to defend the land, but now merely serves as a reminder of archaic times in the background of postcards sent by tourists never really existing in the same reality as oneself. Touristic locations surrounded by malls and parking spaces. European suburbia. Recreating this liminal feel out of, as the artist puts it “fears and childhood nostalgia” blends into an ominous atmosphere that invites to long night drives or hikes in the darkness filled with artificial light. Especially “Fogging in a dark path” creates one of the atmospheric peaks, just spreading a fundamental feel of gloom. While borrowing, or citing, from strong black metal and dungeon synth influences, this album strongly relies on these textured fields of sound. So while actively listening it might prove somewhat lengthy, though it being not really a long LP with roughly 25-30 minutes of playtime, it sure is just made for running in the background. Probably best while enjoying a good book. And not a feel-good book. But a thrilling or dark tale of empty parking lots and closed fast-food restaurants. One of the old castles and castle walls that don’t belong there anymore. For one should think that’s the story Vestige are trying to tell us.