https://karlrecords.bandcamp.com/album/hypnagogia
Genre: Drone
Rating: Highly Recommended
Released January 20, 2023
Just yesterday I was relaxing in my backyard reading science fiction and listening to electronic drone music mostly from the 70’s. One artist I was discovering new work from is Isao Tomita. Tomita is one of many, but still I felt very moved by how simultaneously rooted and expansive the music is, like a beautiful oak tree. The reason I’m choosing Tomita’s music as a reference point for Hypnagogia is because both feel very in the moment. That is to say Tomita’s music feels very seventyish and Hypnagogia feels very twentyish. Something is going on artistically with drone music and everyone who is part of the current scene is involved in doing something hip and worthwhile but we don’t have time for everyone.
Make time for Hypnagogia.
Through cello, voice, and electronics, she creates a tree rooted in transitioning soil or perhaps sand even, growing and expanding despite the uncertainty. There’s sorrow in the damage done and the failure to ensure future fertility but a tree is a tree and trees are strong and proud and hopeful. I often find myself right here at this juncture when I write about music. Asking myself why this record is successful when similar attempts… I don’t want to say “fail” but are less successful. Good ingredients. A talented composer. The ability to connect with something profound about existence. That’s what she’s bringing to the table with this music. It expresses how many of us feel in this time and place but that’s just the seed. It grows from there and gives us something to meditate on. It’s a specific awareness.
Warmth Highest 