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.

This song is featured on our Rainy Day playlist.

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