Deaf Locust’s “Kakorrhaphiophobia” is an experimental descent into sonic dread

New Jersey musician Brian Gawaski, performing as Deaf Locust, delivers a chilling exploration of psychological dread with the title track from his latest EP Kakorrhaphiophobia, meaning abnormal, persistent, irrational fear of failure. A feeling a lot of share for sure.

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While the EP’s first three tracks span alternative rock, doo-wop, and darkwave, this closing piece ventures into post-metal and experimental territory. Much like Indian film music albums that embrace multiple genres, the EP Kakorrhaphiophobia refuses to be confined to a single sonic identity.

Coming to the title track, this is pure psychological thriller/horror cinema translated into sound. Added last-minute to explore completely different genres, it was composed and arranged entirely using synth and orchestral software in Pro Tools. Sonically, it represents the feeling of being trapped in an endless loop of dread, rumination, and anxiety.

The dark, sci-fi atmosphere is inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, with the robotic voice serving as a direct homage to HAL 9000. Compositionally, Gawaski drew inspiration from Edgard Varèse’s concept of “organized sound”, treating music as “sound masses” or living matter rather than traditional melody. The heightening dissonance throughout channels Polish composer Krzysztof Penderecki, whose work famously appeared in Kubrick’s masterpiece. I would say this is a novel and fascinating way to understand compositions and musical pieces.

The spoken word lyrics paint a visceral picture. As psychic wounds bleed out through distorted soundscapes, the track becomes an auditory representation of anxiety’s consuming nature. Eerie, experimental, and utterly unsettling. Definitely give this a listen to challenge your sonic horizons.

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