Sybarite - Dolorous Echo The Mast

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Review by mattias Burkhard

Album Review: Dolorous Echo The Mast by Sybarite Back in 2005, the US-based artist Xian Hawkins, under his project name Sybarite, dropped a quiet but unforgettable gem with Dolorous Echo The Mast. Released on Brainwashed Recordings, this electronic album dives deep into ambient and experimental territory. It’s not your typical easy-listening record—this one demands attention, and if you give it that, it rewards you big time. Let’s start with “Dolorous Echo,” the title track. This piece is hauntingly atmospheric, like walking through an abandoned cathedral at dusk. The layers of sound are meticulously crafted, creating a space where silence feels as important as noise. There’s no rush here; Hawkins lets the track breathe, building tension so subtly you barely notice until you're fully immersed. What sticks with me most is how it manages to feel both alien and familiar—a soundscape I could lose myself in for hours without getting bored. Then there’s “The Mast.” If “Dolorous Echo” feels like wandering through shadows, “The Mast” is more grounded, almost tactile. It starts off minimal but grows into something dense and intricate. You can hear the effort Hawkins puts into every detail, weaving textures together until they form a kind of sonic sculpture. About halfway through, there’s this moment—it’s hard to describe—but it hits like a wave, pulling you deeper into its world. It’s tracks like these that remind me why experimental music matters. They push boundaries while still making you feel something real. Credit also goes to Ben Palmer for the cover art, which perfectly matches the vibe of the album—dark, mysterious, and kinda hypnotic. And let’s not forget Hawkins himself, who wrote and performed everything. His fingerprints are all over this thing, from the smallest glitch to the sweeping drones. Listening to Dolorous Echo The Mast feels like stepping into another dimension—one where rules don’t apply and emotions run wild. Sure, it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those willing to take the plunge, it’s a journey worth taking. Funny thing though—every time I listen to it, I find myself zoning out, only to snap back and realize minutes have passed. Maybe that’s the point. Or maybe Xian Hawkins just knows how to mess with our heads in the best way possible. Either way, hats off to him.

Download Sybarite - Dolorous Echo The Mast
Artist: Sybarite
Album: Dolorous Echo The Mast
Rating: 3.43

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: sybarite-dolorous-echo-the-mast.zip
  • MP3 size: 8 mb
  • FLAC size: 113.4 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Dolorous Echo2:34
The Mast4:41

Images

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Catalog Numbers

BRAIN005, 005

Labels

Brainwashed Recordings

Listen online

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Formats

  • Vinyl
  • 7"
  • 45 RPM
  • Limited Edition
  • Blue Translucent

Credits

RoleCredit
CoverBen Palmer
Written-ByXian Hawkins
PerformerXian Hawkins

Notes

  • ©2005
  • ©2003
  • Limited edition of 500.
  • Pre-orders of this release came with the Otology compilation from Brainwashed Recordings.

Barcodes

  • Matrix / Runout (Side A): BRAIN 005-A
  • Matrix / Runout (Side B): BRAIN 005-B
  • Rights Society: Parts Whole Music / ASCAP

About Sybarite

After touring and recording with the Silver Apples for the better part of the mid-'90s, Xian Hawkins began writing and recording music on his own. A brilliant multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Hawkins donned the Sybarite moniker and has been releasing captivating records ever since. Resting comfortably between down-tempo electronic and modern chamber ensemble, Sybarite's compositions are wonderfully sophisticated, yet elegant and catchy enough to make even the most wooden legs sway. Ladies be warned: this will go straight to your hips!

Real Name

    • Xian Hawkins

Aliases

  • Xian Hawkins

Interesting fact about Album

Did you know? The album *Dolorous Echo / The Mast* by Sybarite is a hidden gem in the electronic music scene. Released in 2005 under Brainwashed Recordings, it blends ambient and experimental sounds, creating an otherworldly vibe. What’s cool is that Xian Hawkins, the mastermind behind it, not only wrote the tracks but also performed them all himself. And fun fact—the hauntingly beautiful cover art was done by Ben Palmer, adding another layer of intrigue to this unique project.