Richard Youngs is neither a stranger to Fourth Dimension Records or creating music from a disparate array of sources that then fall somewhere near that space where immersive drones converge with something altogether more frayed, ravaged or disquiet. 'Zerkelus', named after an imaginary Babylonian king, comprises two lengthy side-long parts, with the first being akin to something of an extended orchestral tune-up utilising voice, oboe and indiscernible sources to create an otherworldly raga, whilst the second follows a similar course before a distorted bass kicks in to pour white hot lava over the proceedings. Raw and howling, this is the reminder we all need to never get too comfortable.

As with most of Richard’s previous work for the label, 'Zerkelus' taps into his love of creating music that can pull the listener into a sonic world where anything can happen at any time. While the more tempered approach initially dimly recalls his collaborative work with Simon Wickham-Smith from the early ’90s on Fourth Dimension, there’s a sense of mischief lurking around the corner demanding one should pay close attention.

Richard Youngs, of course, remains a prolific artist whose work can swing from the wildest avant-garde sounds to melodic songs, but we are always happy to have him back here regardless of where his mood takes him.

The album is out in March 2025 and comes in a limited edition of 300.