A Winged Victory for the Sullen

Mesmerizing, captivating, engrossing; there aren’t enough words to describe the vast and expansive experience you’ll get from watching A Winged Victory for the Sullen, the composer/pianist duo made up of Dustin O’Halloran and Adam Wiltzie. The ambient, classical, post-rock experience will leave even the most seasoned orchestral attendee breathless.

Slowly building crescendos, long, dreamy chords, and lightly piercing piano keys make for an ethereal experience, allowing you to whimsically drift away with the long, drawn out melodies. Melancholy yet empowering, the enigmatic compositions cast an unforgiving spell on its captivated listeners.

Composer Adam Wiltzie is best known for ambient projects, mostly notably Stars of the Lid, The Dead Texan, and Sleppingdog, but has also worked on Hollywood TV and film scores, including that of Transformers and Nip/Tuck. Similarly, O’Halloran is known predominantly for composing film scores including Maria Antoinette, Like Crazy (with Wiltzie), and Now is Good.

It’s because of O’Halloran and Wiltzie’s intimate perception of human emotion that allows for a deep connection to the music, letting both orchestral aficionados and first-time venturers appreciate the sullen ambience of the duo’s compositions.

Their latest work, Atomos, was composed for the Wayne MacGregor Random Dance Company and debuted in 2013 at London’s Sadler’s Wells Theatre, with the accompanying album having been released October 2014.

We were treated to a hauntingly beautiful and atmospheric performance this evening at the simple but acoustically fitting Round Chapel. I was blissfully lost in the music - flown away to another world with the stunningly captivating arrangements and atmosphere that comes only from a live, immersive experience. Well worth the trip to London, it was stunning.

Atomos is a very beautiful piece of music, and AWVFTS playing it live (with the challenges that brings from the mixture of old synthesisers and other equipment!) adds an even more compelling layer to it. If you can get tickets to see them elsewhere, I would urge you to get them and go, because this is a lovely, lovely way to spend an evening!

Superb performance in a wonderful setting.The first Presbyterian church has wonderful acoustics and is perfectly suited to this rich, enthrallingly melancholy yet life-affirming music. Hope this is one of many performances to come in Belfast by this group. Unique.

Ticket stated 7pm. After waiting an hour was told artist on at 9pm. Only had until 9:30pm, so left without seeing the artist play. Complained to promoter, ticket seller and artist. I want my money back. Unacceptable.