The Undivided Five

A Winged Victory for the Sullen, composed of Dustin O’Halloran and Adam Wiltzie, return with their new ambient and electronic-inspired album, “The Undivided Five”. Their fifth release, it pays tribute to the number five, as inspired by artist Hilma af Klint. The album extends their signature ambient and neoclassical style, building upon their acclaimed reputation within the music industry, which includes collaborations with notable artists and scoring for various films and performances.

They were introduced in 2007 by Francesco Donadello, who continues to mix their records. O’Halloran gained recognition for his solo piano albums and film scores, while Wiltzie is known for founding drone outfit Stars of the Lid and scoring Hollywood films. Their latest album reflects careful attention to sound details, influenced by their own evolution and the idea of drawing on spiritual influences, as seen in the work of Debussy and af Klint.

The album’s recording process was marked by personal tragedy and change, further influencing its creation. It was recorded in various locations, from Berlin and Brussels studios to Budapest’s Magyar Rádió Studio 22 and a remote woodland studio in northern Italy, enriching its nuanced sonics. The album was finalized in Donadello’s Berlin studio, where all their previous material has been mixed. Their association with late composer Jóhann Jóhannsson also impacted the album’s direction, particularly their creative process involving modular synthesis and arrangements.

Their debut album for Ninja Tune, “The Undivided Five” bears the imprint of O’Halloran’s move from Berlin to Iceland, an important locale for the duo. The strong energy of the album is driven by their deep-rooted artistic connection.