Gordon Nicol
These are beautiful tracks built from gorgeous sounds. And each one feels so thoughtfully composed that “soundscape” (while a lovely term) does not quite do them justice. I have submerged and submitted!
A collection of spiraling soundscapes for lo-fi dreaming.
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Siren Islands is the new album from Pakistan-born, Brooklyn-based composer and performer Arooj Aftab. Out June 12, the record is available exclusively through New Amsterdam’s Bandcamp subscription as part of the new Windmill Series. Subscribe today to receive the album.
Siren Islands is a raw collection of ambient, experimental electronic music, carrying strong themes of female empowerment, and taking inspiration from the mythology of Sirenum Scopuli. While working on the project, Aftab spent many winter nights in a very deep musical meditation, experimenting with analog synthesizers, loop pedals, electric guitar, and her own deeply enchanting voice. It is an immersive work filled with "spiraling soundscapes for lo-fi dreaming."
Written and performed by Aftab alone, each track is recorded live and tracked to a single mono input, creating an intimate world that is difficult to escape, balanced between the ancient and contemporary.
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from distant waters, from parallel worlds,
concealed by the drifting mists of floating islands
come the siren songs
beckoning the spirit to submerge and submit
credits
released June 12, 2018
Analog synthesizers, loop pedals, delays and reverbs, voice and electric guitar. Each track is recorded live and tracked to a single mono input.
Written and performed by Arooj Aftab
Mixed and mastered by Damon Whittemore
Artwork "Miss Rockaway" courtesy of Swoon Studio
Liner notes by Radhika Singh
supported by 152 fans who also own “Siren Islands”
"Eastman lived his life veering between irreconcilable extremes." Pitchfork has a great article that provides context: http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/17803-jace-clayton-the-julius-eastman-memory-depot/ Joe Holt
supported by 149 fans who also own “Siren Islands”
When the Yule season rolls around, I am hopeful that some thoughtful souls will silence the all-too-commonplace holiday jingle-jangle in the room and allow sufficient space and stillness to play — and •listen• to — this most etherial take on a classic German carol. Philip David Morgan