Avian

Upon closer inspection the Avian label reveals crystalline sound design and almost forensic attention to detail in both sonic observation and art direction. Under the moniker Shifted, label-head Guy Brewer’s auteur approach has yielded five studio albums, including two on Avian and countless performances including commissions for Berlin’s Atonal festival alongside Ilpo Väisänen (FI) of legendary Mute-affiliate Pan Sonic and his own 4D sound installation at the purpose built Monom space, Berlin. This personal immersion in the abstract and experimental is reflected in Brewer’s approach to A&R. The label discography is expansive but tied neatly together by a common thread that’s rooted in austere yet piercing sound design. It’s easy to simply describe Avian’s output as dark, or cinematic, but there’s a grounded, earthiness and accomplishment to the sonics that belies its peers. Highlights include contributions from legendary industrial band Nine Inch Nails’ Alessandro Cortini under his Skarn alias, and award-winning composer SØS Gunver Ryberg. Jamie Robert’s - best known for his work as Blawan and as one half of live act Karenn, features on the label as Kilner, alongside three phenomenal albums from Swedish disruptors SHXCXCHHCXSH. At times warm and affecting, yet always tactile and emotive, Avian offers listeners and creatives alike sparse, effervescent and immersive sonics to amplify onscreen anamorphic content.