Romannis Mötte - Kozmische (FEF14)

high as a kite with this cosmic nug!  peace and love to my friends at Humboldt Relief :)

The music of Romannis Mötte is fuel for sonic explorers, leading to a gateway of heightened aural perceptions. Transitory expeditions enriched with slowly unfolding, spacious and vibrant soundscapes shimmer for the duration. A long burning light guides the listener through two sides of intricate kosmische zoners. Romannis Mötte is the project of Chad Davis (Hour of 13, U.S. Christmas). Kozmische - issued on Fort Evil Fruit and the only release of Romannis Mötte - is the culmination of recording from 2005-13. As suggested by the title, the project is influenced by kosmische luminaries such as Klaus Schulze, Manuel Göttsching and Tangerine Dream. The first two tracks on side A are contrasted in mood, but exhibit Davis' adept composition skills, along with the use of texture and space; something to which the attentive listener will become accustomed over the 50+ minute trip.

  Track 1 on side is among my favorites of 8 excellent tracks. Sonic energy burrows into the clouds, producing blurred radiance. Shortly, the room is blessed with brilliant, churning energy - riding the crest of a beautiful wave. Racy synth, resonant and edgy, is occasionally joined by solemn, sustained layers in the third track. The last track on side A is fascinating. Mysterious and ominous vibrations wallow, and one can hear shrieks in the distance. Each track is a slowly unfolding story. Subtle changes abound throughout. Yet, on this track there is a dynamism present that witnesses a lovely transition. Crystalline layers of sustained serenity gently soar among propulsive rhythms and effervescent tones. Nascent, sinister vibrations surround one as the flipside commences. As it plateaus somewhat, the energy whirs prior to the introduction of elegiac synth and spacey sounds. Lively, opaque synth lights a path through the stars in the second track on side B.  Kozmische ends brightly, as we ascend into the light among peaceful, soothing synth.        

Kozmische glistens like faithful Popeye! Straight from the top shelf to your unsuspecting head, Davis' composition skill is omnipresent throughout. Subtle changes introduce new elements into already compelling, slowly unfolding soundscapes. Therefore, I suggest listening attentively.  Kozmische is limited to 100 hand-numbered copies in clear purple cassette shells. Though it is sold out from Fort Evil Fruit and unavailable through No Magic Man, Kozmische is available from a discogs seller. This is merely an option for those interested. Also, Kozmische has been recently re-issued on lp, by Phantom Records.

peace and love, friends :)

The Rainbow Body - Free Sentient Beings (GJ-044)

eternal light radiates from compassion.  peace and love to my friends at Humboldt Relief :)

As I sit on the ground under a tree - the earth warm and pliant; the swollen bark firmly pressed against my back - I recall the sagacious statement, "There is just as much life in a moment of pain as there is in a moment of pleasure."  Meditating upon those words for a brief minute, the benevolent sun then endowed the soft spot of earth with copious light.  Shimmering at my feet, the benevolent light acted as a harbinger to the deluge of tranquility, celestial vibrations and kosmische crystals that radiated from Free Sentient Beings, the most recent Rainbow Body - Matt Kattman-  release on Ginjoha.

  The offerings here are composed from guitar, effects and loops.  And, the first thing that comes to mind is the amount of sonic variation present.  Each track is unique in structure and style, yet they all converge at the same portal of awareness.  For example, in 'Free Sentient Beings 4' a spectral drone permeates the labyrinthine head.  It's gentle resonance is analogous to the rush of cool air upon inhaling.  The preceding track is completely different in sound.  'Free Sentient Beings 3' is a sonic vortex that sputters, protrudes, writhes and buzzes with an aura of loving kindness.  Even though the sonic maelstrom is omnipresent, serenity circumscribes the mass and pulsates lightly.  Unequivocally, two completely different tracks.  Yet, they exhibit the adroitness with which Matt approaches art.  Throughout Free Sentient Beings, layers of sound converge to emit peaceful energy.  However, along with manner in which they coalesce, the timing of integrating the sounds and space afforded is equally salient.  This aspect of the music is conspicuous in the first track, 'Free Sentient Beings 1'.  The opening track epitomizes the loving kindness meditation.  The sonic compassion which pours forth bathes the body in august light.  A tranquil loop emits edifying vibrations.  There is a ubiquitous quality to the sound. Maybe a minute into the track, the majestic manifests as ethereal sound is juxtaposed to the loop - beautiful!  Toward the end, warm grainy undulations transport one to the zenith.  The second track, perhaps, is my favorite.  Full of life and melodious, elongated crystalline tones echo in the cosmos and abut sonic energy that bustles and stutters forth.

Free Sentient Beings is unambiguously situated on the top shelf in trichome heaven.  Highly recommended, it infuses the living area with lovely vibrations.  Ginjoha has been releasing some excellent tapes - the Portopia '81 tapes come to mind.  Presented with gorgeous artwork and approaching OOP status, secure a copy quickly from Ginjoha.  

peace and love, friends :) 

Polluted Water / The Original Flowering Earth - Acid Mine Tide/Morphogenetic Intent (GLD 027)

the kief on top of the bowl - magical stuff.  peace and love to my friends at Humboldt Relief :)

Split releases that exhibit a contrast between artists provide an intriguing listening experience.  When it comes to splits, Goldtimers is one of the best in the tape game.  Combing their discography, one encounters excellent tapes from Kevin Greenspon/Former Selves; Christopher Merritt/Sound Out Light; Venn Rain/Past Utopia and many more.  They have outdone themselves with the Polluted Water/ The Original Flowering Earth (OFE) split.  This analog gem is a blend of experimental/kosmische/new age vibrations.  Polluted Water is an effervescent elixir of disparate elements.  Even cell membrane technology cannot normalize this water.  As it flows downstream, it accumulates matter, becoming more potent and variegated.  Yet, there is nothing sordid about consuming this jacked up kosmische brew that bubbles with sci-fi energy.  Drink deeply my friends!  The blinding light and serenity of the Original Flowering Earth reside in the unadulterated azure sky.  OFE harvests the crystals from your synapses.  This new age beauty blooms at the zenith, where the eternal sun dwells.

Polluted Water's side, 'Acid Mine Tide', travels a tortuous path replete with various vicissitudes.  The A side starts with synth music for inner gazing.  The initial section is a lofi amalgamation composed of a warm drone, grainy transmissions, morphing vocals and echoing soft tones.  Soon, the synth is blurred, moving into and out of focus - bright in focus, obscured when it is more removed.  The sonic results are gorgeous, sounding like Black Dice circa Beaches and Canyons/Boards of Canada tracing the contour of a rainbow.  These sounds secrete the crystals that make your bowl blaze!!  Decayed percussive sounds give way to synth that exudes sun damaged hues.  The various textures, ranging from smooth to splitting at the ends, are lovely.  A section of aural dissonance leads to a sanctuary in the ether.  Solemn organ and chanting lead to the lectern.  Once the traveler swallows the wafer and pulls the veil back from the arc, pulsing preternatural vibrations and rhythms become consuming - sci-fi renderings that lead one down a foreboding corridor.  Soon aural ellipses - alternating between enervated and excited states - dominate the head.

The Original Flowering Earth's side has become one of my favorite ambient/new age jams.  'Morphogenetic Intent'  embraces your head with all the love and serenity of mindful breathing.  Side B rewards the attentive listener.  Yet, the interminable waves of tranquility will undoubtedly transport you to a relaxed state.  Never inert, this track is always becoming.  Each subsequent wave presents a new cycle of the breath, with slight variations that shimmer in the forefront of your head.  Nascent, warm waves of energy, coupled with benevolent oscillations, ascend placidly.  The pulsating serenity at the apex has the effect of the sun warming the torso.  As the track matures, especially near the end, the changes are more perceptible.  The tempo decreases, moving into languorous territory.  Sublime stuff on this side!

The recent Goldtimers batch is replete with quality, and this tape oozes with lovely sounds.  Acid Mine Tide/Morphogenetic Intent was produced in a limited edition of 50 pro-duplicated tapes with a double-sided j-card.  Don't wait on this one - Goldtimers tapes move quickly.  Purchase a copy of this great tape directly from Goldtimers. 
                    

peace and love, friends :)