Album Review: Imagerie by Phil Von
Alright, let’s talk about Imagerie, the 2019 release from Phil Von. It’s one of those albums that sneaks up on you—quietly experimental but with enough depth to keep you coming back for more. Tagged under Electronic and Non-Music, this record leans heavily into Ambient and Experimental vibes, which makes it perfect for late-night headphone sessions or zoning out when life feels too loud.
The whole thing is self-released under Phil’s own label (or lack thereof), so you know this is straight from the artist’s brain to your ears. And honestly? That raw, unfiltered approach really works here. Every track feels intentional, like Phil had something specific he wanted to say—even if it’s not always in words.
Now, I gotta shout out two tracks that stuck with me: “Ocean Spill” and “Susurrus.”
“Ocean Spill” hits differently. It starts off all calm and floaty, like you’re drifting on a quiet sea at sunset. But then these subtle layers build up—soft synths, distant echoes, maybe even what sounds like waves crashing in slow motion. By the end, it feels less like music and more like an experience. Like, I don’t know, being underwater but also somehow weightless. Weird, right? But good weird.
Then there’s “Susurrus,” which just rolls off the tongue (try saying it five times fast). This one’s darker, moodier. There’s this low hum throughout that feels kinda ominous, like you’re walking through an abandoned building in a dream. The textures shift constantly, keeping you guessing. At some points, it almost feels like whispers are hiding in the background, but you can never quite catch what they’re saying. Creepy? Maybe. Addictive? Absolutely.
One thing I love about Imagerie is how it doesn’t try too hard to impress. It’s not flashy or overproduced; instead, it lets the listener sit with the sounds and figure out their own meaning. That’s rare these days, especially in electronic music where everything can start sounding the same after a while.
So yeah, Imagerie isn’t gonna be everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re looking for bangers to blast in your car, this ain’t it. But if you dig ambient soundscapes that mess with your head in the best way possible, give it a shot. Honestly, listening to this album feels like stepping into someone else’s imagination—and who wouldn’t want to do that every now and then?
Oh, fun fact: Phil wrote all of this himself. Makes sense though, right? Only one person could’ve pulled off something this personal and intricate. Anyway, go check it out—but fair warning, once you dive in, it might take a minute to resurface.
