The Uncomfortable Truth About Art, Activism, and Eels
There’s something profoundly intriguing about art that forces you to confront discomfort. Avery Dart’s Lurkers of Languid Waters, under the moniker Escaping Aghartha, is exactly that kind of art. It’s not just an album; it’s a statement—a 74-minute sonic journey that mirrors the plight of the anguillid eel, a creature as enigmatic as it is endangered. But here’s the thing: Dart’s music isn’t just uncomfortable because it’s experimental. It’s uncomfortable because it demands something from you. It asks you to sit with the dissonance, the chaos, the sheer strangeness of its soundscapes, much like the eels it seeks to protect.
The Eel as Muse: A Symbol of Resilience and Mystery
What makes this particularly fascinating is the choice of the eel as Dart’s muse. Eels are shapeshifters, transforming across their life cycles, and Dart’s album follows suit, blending genres like black metal, drone, and dungeon synth into a slippery, ever-changing whole. But here’s where it gets interesting: the eel’s ability to adapt is both a survival mechanism and a metaphor for the album’s structure. Dart isn’t just telling a story; he’s embodying it. The problem? While the eel’s transformations are graceful, the album’s shifts often feel jarring. Personally, I think this is where Dart’s ambition outpaces his execution. The music, at times, feels less like a tribute and more like a trap—a fish tank of noise that’s hard to escape.
Activism Through Art: Does It Work?
Dart’s goal is noble: raise awareness and funds for the Nature’s Anguillid Eel Specialist Group. A portion of the album’s profits goes toward this cause, which is commendable. But this raises a deeper question: Can art be effective activism if it’s a chore to engage with? I’ve seen this debate play out countless times—whether it’s in films, literature, or music. The intention is clear, but the execution often falls short. In Dart’s case, the album’s harsh vocals, grating riffs, and seemingly random experimental elements feel less like a deliberate artistic choice and more like a barrier. If you take a step back and think about it, the eels’ struggle is one of survival against overwhelming odds. The album, unfortunately, feels like it’s fighting its own listener.
The Turning Point: When the Album Finds Its Purpose
One thing that immediately stands out is the album’s transformation after the hour mark. Tracks like “Journey to the Sargasso Sea” suddenly click, with hooky synths and blackened trems that feel purposeful and uplifting. It’s as if Dart finally lets the music breathe, allowing the listener to connect with the eel’s triumphant final journey. What this really suggests is that the album’s potential was always there, buried under layers of noise and discomfort. If only Dart had applied this clarity earlier, Lurkers of Languid Waters might have been a masterpiece.
The Broader Implications: Art, Audience, and Sacrifice
What many people don’t realize is that activism through art often requires a delicate balance. It’s not enough to have a message; you need to deliver it in a way that resonates. Dart’s album is a prime example of this tension. On one hand, I admire his commitment to the cause. On the other, I can’t help but wonder if the music alienates more than it inspires. From my perspective, the album’s greatest strength—its unrelenting strangeness—is also its greatest weakness. It’s a double-edged sword that leaves me conflicted.
Final Thoughts: A Noble Failure or a Misunderstood Masterpiece?
Personally, I think Lurkers of Languid Waters is neither a complete failure nor a masterpiece. It’s a fascinating experiment that falls short of its ambitions. Dart’s heart is in the right place, but his methods feel misguided. The album’s artwork is stunning, and its message is vital, but the music itself is a hard sell. I’d love to support the cause, but my ears have limits.
If you’re someone who thrives on challenging, boundary-pushing art, this album might be for you. But for the average listener, it’s likely to feel like a slog. And that’s the tragedy of it all—because the eels deserve better, and so does Dart’s vision.
Rating: 1.5/5.0
Label: Hypnotic Dirge Records
Release Date: May 22nd, 2026
Websites: Bandcamp | Facebook
In the end, Lurkers of Languid Waters is a reminder that art and activism are not always easy bedfellows. It’s a risky, ambitious, and ultimately flawed attempt to marry the two. But maybe that’s the point. After all, the eels’ journey isn’t easy either.
