Introspective Downtempo Explores the Mental Toll of Isolation. - Rookley: Obsidian
posted 20 Jul 2020 by Krister Axel
Offers a vulnerable moment of personal longing while exploring the unresolved need for human connection in a time of crisis.

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New York electronica and IDM artist Rookley releases his newest work, a single called "Obsidian" via his resident label AIMEND. The downtempo track deals with isolation during the COVID-19 quarantine, and combines a palpable sense of melancholy with an introspective flair for fans of Burial, or Machinedrum.

Rookley has his roots in Italy but started at an early age to produce electronic music based in his small apartment in Brooklyn, New York. His music evokes a dense atmosphere of neon city lights, dark, rainy Manhattan alleyways, and the voyeuristic nostalgia of observing a metropolis and its inhabitants in their patterns of daily life. While also preserving his anonymity, Rookley gives us a deep look into his most intimate thoughts as he puts the focus on his creative sound and artistic message. There is no face to the Rookley project.

The story of "Obsidian" comes from experiences during the coronavirus quarantine in Italy, where hundreds of people in Rookley's small town were struck by the sickness: The tranquillity of isolation is reflected in the song, as much as the fight for a clear and steadfast mind. The ephemeral vocals in this composition represent that sense of brooding and resolution, and the dark energy of a community in turmoil. With a combination of droning synths and industrial percussive elements, Rookley offers a vulnerable moment of personal longing while exploring the unresolved need for human connection in a time of crisis.

But if you loved me
Why'd you leave me?
Take my body
All I want is, all I need is
To find somebody,
I'll find somebody
All I want is nothing more
'Cause if I could see your face once more
I could die a happy man, I'm sure

About the Author

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Krister Bjornson Axel

Ogdensburg, New York

Paris, France. Madison, Wisconsin. Los Angeles. Ashland, Oregon. Ottawa. I write music, I write about music, and I write code. See also: photography, prose, podcasting. I have 1 gorgeous wife, 2 amazing kids, and many interests.


Recent Awards: 2020 ND (Photo) Honorable Mention, 2020 Accenti Writing Contest Finalist