Obsidian

Released in 2013 on Anticon, Obsidian represents a major tonal shift for Will Wiesenfeld, better known as Baths. Following a severe bout with E. coli that left him bedridden and exhausted, Wiesenfeld moved away from the 'sunny' reputation of his debut, Cerulean, to explore themes of mortality, decay, and the darker side of human relationships. The album is characterized by its 'tragic pop' sensibility, blending IDM-inspired glitch structures with the melodic hooks of synth-pop. Critics noted the album's lyrical bravery, particularly its frank depictions of physical and emotional alienation. Musically, it utilizes a darker palette of sounds - distorted bass, minor-key piano, and sharp, industrial-leaning percussion. It solidified Baths as a premier voice in the experimental electronic scene, proving he could balance intricate sound design with profound emotional weight. The record remains a landmark of the 2010s 'bedroom producer' era, pushing the boundaries of how personal and visceral electronic music could be.