Softest - Music for Rain: Volume One (Inner Islands - 028)

Music for reflection - and some kush never hurts. peace and love to my friends at Humboldt Relief :)

 After being near the abyss, a return to bliss is needed to keep this joint rolling. My head was feeling weary and I needed to recover. Thus, I decided to plunge my hand into the Inner Islands jar which sits on the top shelf. They always deliver me to a serene place where my soul becomes enlightened. The first of two Summer releases on Inner Islands, Softest is the new project of Braden J. McKenna. On Music for Rain: Volume One introspective, soothing music provides one with the space and aural light to meditate on the beauty of the moment. Guitar, synth, and field recordings create slowly morphing soundscapes.

As the first track commences, morning dew glistens softly in the faint, embryonic light. Soft nascent vibrations act like the first cup of coffee, slowly shaking off the slumber in the sun's vastness. The mood is light and airy throughout. Waves of soft colors coalesce begetting undulating tranquility. When you breathe with these sounds, the environment shimmers; the bark of the tree uneven, stale and damp; a sheet of heavenly light flashes hot across the saturated grass coating it in brilliance; and the seemingly immutable sweet scent of the Earth that permeates the nostrils like the first few conscious breaths of the day - sweetly flowing and music for anytime of the day. Ascendant energy rings faithfully in "Surface Dance." Shifting radiance and delicate sounds are interspersed with nature. Peaceful loops combine with gentle streams of rain and crystalline radiance in "Trying"; gentle sounds wallow and ripple in the final track. 

One may purchase Music for Rain: Volume One directly from Inner Islands.

peace and love, friends :)

Gora Sou - Living XXL (NL009)

high times! Gora Sou shines the light into my day. Peace and love to my friends at Humboldt Relief :)

Living XXL is an apt title for Gora Sou's third release on Noumenal Loom. Boundless possibilities seem to exist in the head and heart of Marc Übel (Gora Sou). His skill in composition engenders tracks that are uplifting, contemplative, and elegiac. A combination of new age and experimental music, the tracks that comprise Living XXL have great depth. Any randomly selected moment on this tape could be deconstructed to reveal copious ideas and sounds. 

Upon pressing play, delicate notes echo on the periphery of consciousness - extremely light and resonant. An entrancing effect occurs as they move more proximate with each iteration. Upon reaching the crest, the wave breaks. The listener is inundated by ponderous tones and ambient manifestations that fissure. An exquisite collage leads to the third track, which possesses different energy from anything on the tape. An ominous loop circulates furtively while ethereal sounds jut up and hover. "Three Palms Avalon" is my favorite track on the tape. Übel really shines in such moments. The clouds part to reveal inspiring and hopeful vibrations. The latter part of the tape - tracks 5-8 - is incredible. In the following track, Übel pours it on heavy. The gorgeous beginning, comprised of rain drops and heartfelt sound, progresses to include periodically rising crystalline tones. "Bay of Seven Moons" is heavenly. Bright and blurry ambience pulsates and transmogrifies wondrously, which reminds one of the beauty contained in Venice-era Fennesz - resplendent, morphing clouds of sound. The last few minutes of this track precipitate elation. 

 With each release, Gora Sou becomes more entrenched on the crystal-covered top shelf. Übel's music is a regular part of my life. This is a mindful listener's kind of tape, if you know what I mean. Also, I tend to look at Birch Cooper's artwork when listening to Living XXL. The design, hues and texture do a nice job of encapsulating the feel of the music. Produced in a limited run of 100 home dubbed tapes, only a few copies remain. One may purchase Living XXL directly from Noumenal Loom.

peace and love, friends :)

Inner Travels - First Light (TST010)

lightness of being - peace and love to my friends at Humboldt Relief :)

From moments of lucid awareness under brilliant light that flickers to celestial voyages in an azure sky, First Light has proved to be my favorite Twin Springs release. On this cassette, Inner Travels utilizes space and texture adroitly to beget instances of joy, focus and contemplation. Brilliant sparks of life kindle in cupped, trembling hands. It makes one want to hold that energy with eyes shut and to be thankful that you realized something beautiful, even for a brief moment. First Light, much like the most alluring things in life, has a transitory quality.

 Delicate, gauzy rays of sunlight traverse the soul from the time one presses play. Incipient light billows gently. At a distance, the vibrations are misty. Yet, as they approach, the radiance envelops the listener. The glare is ephemeral - a beautiful apparition. Majestic pulsations and voluminous waves saturate the receptors. Reverberations of sonic ellipses encompass the heart in kindness. Luminosity twinkles at the periphery; gradually, it swells among the verdant earth. Sequences of synth swirl benevolently, much like the tenderness heard from one of my musical heroes, Joe Zawinul. The various placid textures that are present in the tracks culminate in crystalline waves. Inner seeking tones burrow deep to reveal the eternal flame. The flipside -the Sky side - is suffused with reverie. Inside the slipstream, cavernous tones combine with evanescent manifestations. Bleary synth bubbles until evaporating. There's a lovely, removed feeling in some of the tracks on the Sky side. Observations from afar approach slowly, glimmer in the inner eye and then ascend into the clouds. Suffering vanishes as variegated energy glitters and expands throughout the soul.    

First Light is the mellifluous bird that beckons at my window in the morning; it infuses my home with tranquility. If you want to touch someones life with music, then I would give them this tape. Created primarily with a PSS-380, First Light is limited to 50 copies. With only a few remaining, secure your copy directly from Twin Springs, one of my favorite tape labels.        

peace and love, friends :)

Randall McClellan - The Healing Music of Rana (SA034)

the tape player is for special music. peace and love to my friends at Humboldt Relief :)

When I was hurting, a friend kindly bestowed on me these beautiful sounds. I would like to share that gift you. The gift arrived through the window in the form of radiant sunlight; channeled through the pulsating speakers, sacred drones with raga attributes and melodies hover until quietly acquiescing to another manifestation. Regarding the sound, it is powerful. When played at a high volume, the lovely energy reverberates throughout the body - healing waves. Randall McClellan is a founding member of the electronic music studio at The Eastman School of Music (1967). Over a period from 1966-1985, The Healing Music of Rana slowly came into being; the music is a result of McClellan's interest in North Indian vocal music, classical electronic music technique, and the study of esoteric mystical traditions. These improvisations were created with Moog Prodigy and Micromoog synthesizer - positioned to allow for simultaneous playing - among other instruments. For maximum pleasure, the tape aptly recommends modifying the bass, treble and loudness settings to your preference. McClellan's voice is simply majestic on these tapes. More so, when combined with drone and Moog the serene undulations bring the moment into focus.

This beautiful music exists on the highest of shelves. Previously issued individually, Randall McClellan has teamed with with Sun Ark to reissue all four of the cassettes in a limited edition box set. I take The Healing Music of Rana with me throughout the day. McClellan's drones infuse one with vitality and tranquility. Unequivocally, this is highly recommended. Released in an edition of 200, I purchased my copy from Fusetron.

peace and love, friends :)

   

Peasants - Sawngs (II026)

trichome tuesday starts nicely with the latest offering from Peasants. peace and love to my friends at Humboldt Relief :)

Generally, I prefer to start the day with the kind of vibrations that throw off the shackles of lethargy and embrace awareness. The latest offering from Peasants on Inner Islands has proved as sonorous as the birds that sing outside my window in the early morning. Peasants is a duo from Portland. Sawngs is comprised of music recorded in Washington Park. Tranquil sounds of nature don't permeate the recording; rather, they are an integral part. Along with the lovely sounds of nature, Peasants use languorous guitars that emit idyllic energy. An intimate recording, the dreamy vibe is ubiquitous; hazy transmissions ripple toward the waiting soul. Delicate tones fluctuate in the late morning sunlight. Reverb-soaked strings billow, yielding the sweet, plentiful scent of earth and a gauzy veil of mist. Sometimes the strings echo towards the zenith. At other times, they manifest as swirling ambient energy in the afternoon heat, touching down on the listener benevolently. These songs are aligned with the human condition and something that I unequivocally recommend; especially as the vibrations that breath life into your body upon arising. It's difficult to select a centerpiece, as the album flows beautifully. However, the penultimate track is special. "Slow Flowers" unfolds dreamily. The longest track on the album, it provides the artists an opportunity to explore their ideas more fully. Strings covered in reverb resonate lightly among birds in the beginning. Ethereal drone drifts lazily. As the track progresses, the vibe becomes even more dreamy and hazy. Slowly, meandering sustained tones and vocal drone move to the fore. Folks that dig Koen Holtkamp and Apestaartje are in for a real treat.  

Oh sweet, dank goodness! Inner Islands releases are produced in limited editions. Sawngs may be secured directly from the label, along with Tuluum Shimmering's latest jams.

peace and love, friends :)

Tuluum Shimmering - Sky Tree (II025)

ubiquitous vibrations. peace and love to my friends at Humboldt Relief :)

Dreamy, loop-driven passages of energy permeate the listener for this two hour meditation. The brilliant vibrations have the tendency to consume, heightening awareness. At times, one tends to get lost in the swirling buoyancy radiating from the speakers. Sky Tree, a recent tape from Tuluum Shimmering on Inner Islands, is an apt title; above the clouds, where the perceptions are more lucid, Tuluum's flowing benevolence begets sagacity. Until I first heard Tuluum Shimmering, I had not previously experienced anything similar. According to an interview, a variety of instruments -  kalimba, percussion, violin, flutes, sampling keyboard - are run from a mixer through a multi-effects pedal into a 30 second looper, and then out to an amp. Across the discography, their is a tendency to lose oneself in a malestrom of luminous vibrations, a celebration of life. Ever since arriving at the house, Sky Tree has been billowing faithfully much like my sacred indica - highly recommended.

The beginning of the tape is intense, imbued with tension. Ominous - almost cinematic - tones protrude and surge clandestinely. Shortly, languid flute pervades the mix swirling upward. Almost unexpectedly, the friction and clang of percussion becomes audible. Synth vacillates from solemn to uplifting reaching a beautiful point in the recording. Suddenly, resonant piano notes and sacred drone begin to cascade from the speakers. Omnipresent and visceral, wave upon wave surges forth; intricate patterns morph subtly. The flipside resides deep in the haze, a languorous stream of energy that moves more slowly than its peer. Delicate tones from the flute drift lazily in the presence of enchanting drone.

These top shelf vibrations on Inner Islands are exalted. Another wonderful attribute of this release regards the visual aspect - artwork by Tuluum Shimmering; layout by Sean Conrad. Pro-dubbed and produced on red tapes in o-card sleeves, Sky Tree may be purchased directly from Inner Islands. Also, Sky Tree was released with another stellar tape by Peasants. Both can be procured inexpensively 

peace and love, friends :)

Wave Temples - Floating Garden/Hidden Temple (PYR19)

Blissful vibrations in abundance. peace and love to my friends at Humboldt Relief :)

Floating Garden/Hidden Temple, by Wave Temples on Rainbow Pyramid, is an enthralling listening experience. For over 30 minutes, the listener is transported to a sonic paradise in which they wallow through serene passages comprised of effervescent and soothing sound - faithful vibrations. Patient hymns carried by peaceful waves ripple through one's soul. Wave Temples keen use of texture makes this tape a joyous experience - this tape often loops in the house. Hazy reveries are immersed by a deluge. Introspective waves meander softly in the twilight. Mysterious vibrations mesmerize the listener. Sometimes the swirling drones are situated in remote waters, becoming enervated as they float beyond perception. Pastoral vibrations coat awareness with a gauzy, wet film. Slumberous, restive drones loop lazily toward the abyss. The end of side A is fantastic, even a little psychedelic. Sonorous undulations engulf the room. Soon, the tremendous force abates as an incipient menacing drone becomes salient. Upon commencing the flip, majestic, yet unsettling synth exudes a dreamy vibe imbued with uncertainty around the contour. Later on the flip, buoyant synth loops calmly. Crystal-covered waves swell and recede while a serene melody merges. The second to last section on the b-side is one of my favorite sections of the tape. Opaque vibrations and clandestine drone gradually evolve to a state of effervescence. 

Floating Garden/Hidden Temple is a lovely tape that fills my home with beauty as it billows hazily from the speakers, penetrating the indica clouds with ease. This tape was part of the Rainbow Pyramid winter batch that disappeared quickly. Produced in an edition of 48 and featuring a cover photo by John Orsborn, copies are still available via Meditations.

peace and love, friends :)

Mark Banning - Journey to the Light (SOD104)

Awaken the slumbering soul. Peace and love to my friends at Humboldt Relief :)

Benevolence and compassion flourish as your hub of awareness is inundated by faithful vibrations of zither and guitar drone. Journey to the Light, reissued on vinyl by Students of Decay, is Mark Banning's long out of print new age lp. Initially released in a small pressing by Creative Sound, Banning's 1984 private press gem was uncovered by Yoga Records head and new age historian, Douglas Mcgowan. Mcgowan is also responsible for compiling the tracks on the impressive new age compilation from Light in the Attic Records, I am the Center.

 If there exists a sonic panacea, then this is it. Right from the drop of the needle, Banning's facility with composition and texture are conspicuous. He composed this album utilizing processed guitar, zither, voice and field recordings. It represents a constantly shifting tapestry of uplifting vibrations, intimate moments, sonic ruminations, encompassing warmth and ripping tones.  Side A, 'Everlasting Moments' unfolds naturally, with Banning stimulating your perception through otherworldly vibrations. Layers of warm strings cascade and hover at the beginning. Soulful plucks and resonant zither shimmer in the morning light. Buoyant strings sing to the sky's zenith. The reverberating chime of plucked strings combines effectively with zither that fills the soul with light. Gentle currents meander and beget a brilliant deluge. Compared to side A, the vibe on the flipside, "A Sea of Glass", is even more soothing. Heavenly strings gently shower the listener with a calmness that pervades the track. Pronounced, pulsing vibrations abut tranquil cycles of guitar, zither and field recordings.The use of voice in this track acts to complement the instrumentation, such as the ethereal vocal drone that combines adeptly with guitar and zither.

Journey to the Light is an essential purchase. These top shelf vibrations make the flowers of the mind bloom. Copious accolades are due to Students of Decay for reissuing a real gem. This is only the start for Students of Decay in 2014. Future releases include a Kyle Bobby Dunn 3lp; Maxwell August Croy and Sean McCann collaboration; and a collaboration by Duane Pitre and Cory Allen. I purchased my copy from Fusetron.            

peace and love, friends :)

Daniel Klag - Inner Earth (PURR029)

further. peace and love to my friends at Humboldt Relief :)

A breath that triggers the benevolent state of awareness is a blessing. Inner Earth travels at a dreamy pace through the nostrils, shimmering energy personified by peaceful drones aligned with the human spirit. Daniel Klag exhibits perspicacity in transmitting these inner states into the sonic realm. Track after track produces layers of tranquil light, each distinct in texture. A resonant whir of energy coalesces excellently with incipient awareness. As cool molecules ascend to zenith, suddenly the flowering warmth of the soul manifests. Cascading brilliant particles exit the nostrils. Introspective vibrations are apparent in the second track, "Litany." Warm, soporific drones that occasionally echo throughout the soul contrasted with poignant energy. Subtly a sheen whirls, the heart flutters. Repeatedly, suffering abates to unyielding light of awareness. I feel so alive right now. The side A closer is a cathartic release. Reverberating energy moves proximate. Parts of the sonic spectrum glow dreamily in the distance - elegant strings are a lovely touch. 

With each succession of the breath, despair and suffering submit to the awesome energy contained in "Awakener". Light bells resonate in the heart and mind, the distance in between becoming more minuscule as we embrace the core. A deluge of tears removes the remaining impediments; Being touched by the light, the inner essence contained within the crystalline synth that makes one levitate. Pulsating red light traces the peripheral contour of the soul. With the lightness of feather, waves vacillate and cluster around compassionate brilliance.  

Inner Earth produces myriad intimate moments - myopia cast aside with each breath, subsumed by the omnipotent vastness that is awareness. Senses flourish and cognitions become more acute in this climate. Ultimately, this is a tape for everybody. Those who enjoy travelling to radiant inner zones will admire the progression from front to back. Most of all, Daniel Klag's music strikes the sparks which make one realize intrinsic luminosity, the inner flame that extends to all who you touch. Inner Earth may be purchased directly from Constellation Tatsu - a label on my top shelf.

peace and love, friends :)

Gora Sou - Troposphere Themes (sicsic 068)

its a sicsic sativa world that evolves with each batch. these lovely waves of sound are dedicated to all of the beautiful people at Humboldt Relief. their unflinching resolve during this trying time is an example to me and something from which I regularly draw strength. peace and love to my friends at Humboldt Relief :) 

Sicsic struck sativa gold with this tape. Troposphere Themes, from Gora Sou, is thee tape of another wonderful batch, with Köhn's dazzling cassette following closely. Light, gentle hues emit a sheen; resplendent waves engulf one; evanescent shades of dark reside in a state of equilibrium with its brethren for the entire ride - spacey and introspective. As gentle and comforting as some of my favorite new age. However, the listener should be aware as menacing fangs come out at the end - astral, placid, and ominous executed nicely!

Surprisingly, this is only the second release from Gora Sou, the moniker of Marc Übel from Heidelberg, Germany. Further Records released the first zoner of this project, Music For Girls. A good friend tipped me off one this one. It's always nice to share inspiring and joyous musical moments with friends.

As the ethereal journey commences with the aptly titled "Lifetime Supply", there seems something mysteriously beautiful coming from the speakers. Each wave is more intense and crackling than that which it precedes. Brilliant tones amplify to light up the sky. Lovely tropical percussive sounds sit in the back of the mix. A noteworthy characteristic of each track, Gora Sou subtly adds intriguing sonic elements. Tracks evolve wondrously to the ear, each refinement illuminating barren space. With the pace rapidly spinning out of control and awestruck, over a cluster of clouds the listener perceives a throbbing welter of color and sound waves. Penetrating and hazy synthesizer, not unlike something one may hear on an Emeralds release, loops in the beginning of "Isolation Rhythm". Beams of effervescent sound jut up from the enveloping haze. Electronic apparitions shriek excitedly, accelerating through the labyrinth and leaving clouds of vapor in their wake. Much like its predecessor, everything comes together to great effect. Gentle - slightly poignant, too - synth tugs at the heart strings wistfully. In the last track on side A, "Lucid Dream", austere rhythms mutate next to peaceful notes. Coiling reverberations spiral out of earshot. Warm manifestations and lightly quivering electronics become apparent. The combustible energy is visceral. Sonic shrapnel pierces the skin. Lovely new age vibes abound as the track travels in a vacuum - its aura still keenly felt light years away. Another new addition to the top shelf, and we still have yet to experience the flip!

Whimsical ascent sees the listener climb a vine of gossamer, flowery sonics in the beginning of "Pro Skin." Buoyant waves of tranquility combine with fluttering tones. This section is juxtaposed to an affecting drone, resembling the slipstream. Ominous reverberations wrap one in an effulgent blanket. Eerie percussion ripples throughout the vastness, splintering towards the end. While being the shortest track on the tape, it may be perhaps the most beautiful. The next track starts off in foreboding manner - palpable haunting vibrations. Ghastly emanations and swirling hues of blue precede another notable section of the tape. The electronic beast writhes portentously in this cosmic jungle. Menacing in effect, its unlike anything on the tape. Poignant and voluminous layers of synth are present during the embryonic period of daybreak. Translucent tones exist on the periphery of chugging noise and rapidly stuttering energy in the final track. Spinning out of control, everything is subsumed leaving no trace.            

  Here's another reason to search for a copy of this out of print tape: David Toro of Rotifer creates vivid artwork that matches the sonics. Shining in all of its home-dubbed beauty, Troposphere Themes appears in an edition of 100 tapes. It's only a matter of time this gem appears at Tomentosa, Unit Structure, or S.O.L.

peace and love, friends :)

Space Slave November Batch ---- Righteous Acid - S/T (Space Slave 29) and Stag Hare - Angel Tech (Space Slave 30)

A Space Slave soundtrack to purps heaven. peace and love to my friends at Humboldt Relief :)

Much like the Purple Skunk, with each batch of tapes Carl from Space Slave promulgates a distilled, effervescent elixir that represents some of the most heady experimental analog vibes around. The last batch was epic and is still spinning in my trusty tape deck - Clime, 4-way Swim Trunks split, and Cape and Cowl were among my faves. As the end of year approaches, Space Slave blesses us with two great tapes, both with artwork by Phil French, from Righteous Acid and Stag Hare. Once Space Slave shoots you into the stars with the hash oil heaven jams of Righteous Acid, Stag Hare is the medicine that maintains elevation - and oh, the sites on this ethereal ride are fascinating. Stag Hare weaves a dreamy mix of new age and ambient/drone experimental jams.

 It is a two part party: first one goes to indica heaven with Righteous Acid - proper fuel for a quick, steep ascent! The self-titled cassette possesses a heavy hitting dose of psych with waves of percussion and funk that emit clouds of wah crystals. Righteous Acid, the psych project of Alex Sarad - who also plays percussion in Invisible Astral Healing Rhythm Quartet - boasts lovely, varied rhythms and impressive, vibrant fretwork. Throughout the self-titled cassette, the seamless transitions in mood make the sonic scenery sparkle. This nug has a little of everything, from mellow and serene to cosmic and spacey. Side A begets soothing vibrations immediately. Zenith piercing riffs appear toward the end. Mesmerizing rhythms are ubiquitous; they infuse the atmosphere with beauty in track 3. Light and airy sonics are the perfect match for entrancing rhythms and sporadic whistles. For me, the beginning of side B is analogous to blindly reaching into the bag and pulling a crystal-covered bud of goodness. Drifting through the omnipotent stillness of the cosmos, waves of wah vibrations ripple toward the abyss. This is highly recommended for all of you astral explorers! Funky vibes and rhythms create a lively platform for the blistering fretwork that appears near the end in track 3 on the flip.

Now that you are properly feeling good and lifted, Stag Hare accelerates one into enthralling and constantly morphing environments. Ethereal vibrations abound as copious rhythms coalesce with healing energy. According to the insert, Angel Tech consists of precursor tracks to a larger project. Unique to this edition, these peaceful vibes will eventually manifest in copious ways. Angel Tech weaves a dreamy tapestry consisting of new age, ambient, drone, and experimental vibrations. Certainly, this is music to accompany one in the moment, and I would recommend listening attentively to these meditative sojourns. As side A commences a burst of glistening energy, once nascent, becomes palpable - it modulates serenely. An incipient drone grows in strength and warmth - embraces one's body. Buoyant layers are interspersed with lively, and even at times, propulsive rhythms. Prepare for flowing unfettered waves of benevolent energy. In the second track, a torpid passage vacillates in the sonic breeze. Suddenly, varied and driving rhythms give the music another dimension, which juxtaposes nicely to the ambient and somewhat somber feel of the track. On the flipside, burgeoning vibrations become ethereal waves that drift placidly. A deluge of lustrous waves approach with fervor - awesome energy here. Going forward in the next track, tranquil beats and embryonic warm drone encompass one. Sustained reverberations are joined by peaceful layers of electronics. Shortly, the tempo increases in accordance with the rhythms, prior to drifting off with a blissful drone.    

Sitting pretty on my top shelf - and in my healing kit - Space Slave tapes are essential for fellow tape enthusiasts. Therefore, grab these two while they are available from thee source. Produced in a limited edition of 100 home-duplicated tapes, the next batch of Space Slave will be available to purchase on November 26.

peace and love, friends :)