2021 RELEASES
'A Pale Shelter'
by zakè, City of Dawn, Ossa
|
|
|
A Pale Shlelter
by
zakè, City of Dawn, Ossa
Limited Edition LP (transparent scarlet)
Limited Edition LP (transparent crystalline)
12/15/2021
“
Stillness as we collide
Mounting a retreat
A pale shelter offered
Only to divide
Mourning shadows we perish
A failing of will
Alone in a moment
Who do you cherish
Soon holding on, the solemn embrace
Like a whisper unheard
No solace no grace
Yet today is all we have
In silence she speaks
The rivers below
Valleys and peaks
As a pale shelter once cherished
The shadows we mourn
Have all but perished
“
LP Details:
160 gram transparent transparent red (100 copies) and transparent crystalline (200 copies) vinyl housed in a full color, matte jacket. Full color center labels. Record placed in black, anti-static inner sleeve with a .75 gauge archival polypropylene lining. Shrinkwrapped. Includes an 11"x11" lithograph containing artwork by Benoit Pioulard and the poetic narrative ‘A Pale Shelter’ by Julia Frizzell.
Credits:
Written, recorded, and produced by zakè, City of Dawn, Ossa
Additional production and vocals on ‘A Pale Shelter’
and ‘Solace Awaits Us’ by Benoît Pioulard
Mixed at Kaleidoscope Tone Studio by zakè
Mastered at Black Knoll (NY) by Rafael Anton Irisarri
Poetic narrative 'A Pale Shelter' written by Julia Frizzell
Photography by Benoît Pioulard
All song titles by Julia Frizzell
Design and layout by zakè
©℗ Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V056 | MMXXI
pastinsidethepresent.com
pitpstore.com
pitp.shop
pitp.us
by
zakè, City of Dawn, Ossa
Limited Edition LP (transparent scarlet)
Limited Edition LP (transparent crystalline)
12/15/2021
“
Stillness as we collide
Mounting a retreat
A pale shelter offered
Only to divide
Mourning shadows we perish
A failing of will
Alone in a moment
Who do you cherish
Soon holding on, the solemn embrace
Like a whisper unheard
No solace no grace
Yet today is all we have
In silence she speaks
The rivers below
Valleys and peaks
As a pale shelter once cherished
The shadows we mourn
Have all but perished
“
LP Details:
160 gram transparent transparent red (100 copies) and transparent crystalline (200 copies) vinyl housed in a full color, matte jacket. Full color center labels. Record placed in black, anti-static inner sleeve with a .75 gauge archival polypropylene lining. Shrinkwrapped. Includes an 11"x11" lithograph containing artwork by Benoit Pioulard and the poetic narrative ‘A Pale Shelter’ by Julia Frizzell.
Credits:
Written, recorded, and produced by zakè, City of Dawn, Ossa
Additional production and vocals on ‘A Pale Shelter’
and ‘Solace Awaits Us’ by Benoît Pioulard
Mixed at Kaleidoscope Tone Studio by zakè
Mastered at Black Knoll (NY) by Rafael Anton Irisarri
Poetic narrative 'A Pale Shelter' written by Julia Frizzell
Photography by Benoît Pioulard
All song titles by Julia Frizzell
Design and layout by zakè
©℗ Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V056 | MMXXI
pastinsidethepresent.com
pitpstore.com
pitp.shop
pitp.us
|
|
'The Best Driving Music in the World Ever'
by Sean Curtis Patrick
|
|
The Best Driving Music in the World Ever
by
Sean Curtis Patrick
Limited Edition LP (transparent iron oxide)
Limited Edition LP (cherenkov blue)
11/26/2021
"This all came together due to a bout of loneliness and depression that swept over me that Friday evening. Being lonely sometimes can render positive results, something I am learning. On my walk home, I decided to go and make a guitar-based record and not leave the house until it was done. I succeeded and this is what was made. This is not a one-off experiment, that will disappear a few weeks from now: This is my fifth solo full-length record. It is "canon", to quote film nerds. I hope you enjoy it and appreciate the context of its creation. Context they say that's everything these days..."
- SCP
LP Details:
160 gram transparent iron oxide (100 copies) and cherenkov blue (200 copies) vinyl housed in a full color, semi-gloss jacket. Full color center labels. Record placed in black, anti-static inner sleeve with a .75 gauge archival polypropylene lining. Shrinkwrapped. There will also be a very small amount of test presses on black vinyl, for those who want something extra-unique for their collection.
Credits:
Written and produced by Sean Curtis Patrick
Mastered at Black Knoll Studio (US) by Rafael Anton Irisarri
'The Black & Gold Door' album cover painting by Sean Curtis Patrick
Vinyl layout and design by Sean Curtis Patrick
Digital and cassette layout by zakè
--
Digital & Vinyl Cat. No.
PITP-V048 | MMXXI
(Remastered by RAI for vinyl/digital, November 26, 2021)
Cassette Cat. No.
PITP-C003 | MMXIX
(Originally released on October 1, 2019)
©℗ Past Inside the Present
pastinsidethepresent.com
pitpstore.com
pitp.shop
pitp.us
by
Sean Curtis Patrick
Limited Edition LP (transparent iron oxide)
Limited Edition LP (cherenkov blue)
11/26/2021
"This all came together due to a bout of loneliness and depression that swept over me that Friday evening. Being lonely sometimes can render positive results, something I am learning. On my walk home, I decided to go and make a guitar-based record and not leave the house until it was done. I succeeded and this is what was made. This is not a one-off experiment, that will disappear a few weeks from now: This is my fifth solo full-length record. It is "canon", to quote film nerds. I hope you enjoy it and appreciate the context of its creation. Context they say that's everything these days..."
- SCP
LP Details:
160 gram transparent iron oxide (100 copies) and cherenkov blue (200 copies) vinyl housed in a full color, semi-gloss jacket. Full color center labels. Record placed in black, anti-static inner sleeve with a .75 gauge archival polypropylene lining. Shrinkwrapped. There will also be a very small amount of test presses on black vinyl, for those who want something extra-unique for their collection.
Credits:
Written and produced by Sean Curtis Patrick
Mastered at Black Knoll Studio (US) by Rafael Anton Irisarri
'The Black & Gold Door' album cover painting by Sean Curtis Patrick
Vinyl layout and design by Sean Curtis Patrick
Digital and cassette layout by zakè
--
Digital & Vinyl Cat. No.
PITP-V048 | MMXXI
(Remastered by RAI for vinyl/digital, November 26, 2021)
Cassette Cat. No.
PITP-C003 | MMXIX
(Originally released on October 1, 2019)
©℗ Past Inside the Present
pastinsidethepresent.com
pitpstore.com
pitp.shop
pitp.us
|
|
'Color of Time'
by Color of Time
|
|
Color of Time
by
Color of Time
Limited Edition LP (opaque ember)
Limited Edition LP (harvest swirl)
11/19/2021
Color of Time is a long distance, ambient and drone project featuring Kévin Séry (From Overseas) and Nick Turner (Tyresta). Created with guitar, synthesizers, Mellotron and effects, their music focuses on themes of impermanence, loss and the impact that humans have on each other and the planet.
LP Details:
160 gram 'opaque ember' (100 copies) and 'harvest swirl' (200 copies) vinyl housed in a full color, UV high gloss coated jacket. PITP branded center labels. Record placed in black, anti-static inner sleeve with a .75 gauge archival polypropylene lining. Shrinkwrapped. There will also be a very small amount of test presses on black vinyl, for those who want something extra-unique for their collection.
Cassette Details:
Color of Time - Cassette includes a bonus 30min set recorded for 9128.live 2 Year anniversary festival.
Red shell cassette tape with white imprinting, housed in a clear norelco box and shrinkwrapped. Loaded with FerroMaster C456™ super ferric, ultra-high performance type-1 music grade analog tape.
Side A: Color of Time Album
Side B: Autumnal Sessions [9128 Broadcast]
Color of Time is:
Nick Turner: Mellotron, Guitar
Kévin Séry: OP-1, Guitar
Credits:
Written, mixed, and recorded by Nick Turner & Kévin Séry in Summer 2020
Vinyl / digital Mastered at Schwebung Mastering (Germany) by Stephan Mathieu
Autumnal Sessions [9128 Broadcast] Mastered at Ambient Mountain House by James Bernard
Artwork by Jason Akira Somma
Design and layout by zakè
--
©℗ Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V040 | MMXXI
pastinsidethepresent.com
pitpstore.com
pitp.shop
pitp.us
by
Color of Time
Limited Edition LP (opaque ember)
Limited Edition LP (harvest swirl)
11/19/2021
Color of Time is a long distance, ambient and drone project featuring Kévin Séry (From Overseas) and Nick Turner (Tyresta). Created with guitar, synthesizers, Mellotron and effects, their music focuses on themes of impermanence, loss and the impact that humans have on each other and the planet.
LP Details:
160 gram 'opaque ember' (100 copies) and 'harvest swirl' (200 copies) vinyl housed in a full color, UV high gloss coated jacket. PITP branded center labels. Record placed in black, anti-static inner sleeve with a .75 gauge archival polypropylene lining. Shrinkwrapped. There will also be a very small amount of test presses on black vinyl, for those who want something extra-unique for their collection.
Cassette Details:
Color of Time - Cassette includes a bonus 30min set recorded for 9128.live 2 Year anniversary festival.
Red shell cassette tape with white imprinting, housed in a clear norelco box and shrinkwrapped. Loaded with FerroMaster C456™ super ferric, ultra-high performance type-1 music grade analog tape.
Side A: Color of Time Album
Side B: Autumnal Sessions [9128 Broadcast]
Color of Time is:
Nick Turner: Mellotron, Guitar
Kévin Séry: OP-1, Guitar
Credits:
Written, mixed, and recorded by Nick Turner & Kévin Séry in Summer 2020
Vinyl / digital Mastered at Schwebung Mastering (Germany) by Stephan Mathieu
Autumnal Sessions [9128 Broadcast] Mastered at Ambient Mountain House by James Bernard
Artwork by Jason Akira Somma
Design and layout by zakè
--
©℗ Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V040 | MMXXI
pastinsidethepresent.com
pitpstore.com
pitp.shop
pitp.us
|
|
|
'Distance As Power'
by 36 & duenn
|
|
Distance As Power
by
36 & duenn
Limited Edition LP (transparent red)
Limited Edition LP (transparent clear)
11/5/2021
36 (UK) and duenn (JP) join forces for Distance As Power; An evocative, emotionally charged LP, written between April-May 2020, during a world under lockdown.
LP Details:
160 gram transparent red (100 copies) and transparent clear (200 copies) vinyl housed in a full color, matte jacket. Full color center labels. Record placed in black, anti-static inner sleeve with a .75 gauge archival polypropylene lining. Shrinkwrapped. There will also be a very small amount of test presses on black vinyl, for those who want something extra-unique for their collection.
All tracks written, produced and engineered by 36 & Duenn
Mastered at Black Knoll Studio (NY) by Rafael Anton Irisarri
Original artwork by Jun Koshino [junkoshino.com]
Design and artwork manipulation by 36
--
©℗ Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V022 | MMXXI
pastinsidethepresent.com
pitpstore.com
pitp.shop
pitp.us
by
36 & duenn
Limited Edition LP (transparent red)
Limited Edition LP (transparent clear)
11/5/2021
36 (UK) and duenn (JP) join forces for Distance As Power; An evocative, emotionally charged LP, written between April-May 2020, during a world under lockdown.
LP Details:
160 gram transparent red (100 copies) and transparent clear (200 copies) vinyl housed in a full color, matte jacket. Full color center labels. Record placed in black, anti-static inner sleeve with a .75 gauge archival polypropylene lining. Shrinkwrapped. There will also be a very small amount of test presses on black vinyl, for those who want something extra-unique for their collection.
All tracks written, produced and engineered by 36 & Duenn
Mastered at Black Knoll Studio (NY) by Rafael Anton Irisarri
Original artwork by Jun Koshino [junkoshino.com]
Design and artwork manipulation by 36
--
©℗ Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V022 | MMXXI
pastinsidethepresent.com
pitpstore.com
pitp.shop
pitp.us
|
|
'Broderie'
by Lamasz
|
|
Broderie
by
Lamasz
Limited Edition Cassette
10/29/2021
Lamasz’s sophomore release on Past Inside the Present titled, ‘Broderie’ is a concept album composed entirely of processed loops. Though each unique in their form, the three pieces of Broderie are united in their objective; to immerse the listener in an unsteady lo-fi musical experience.
One could focus on a single loop, similar to a thread in an embroidery, but in reality, at the the heart of it is a dreamy harmonic record with a balanced blend of digital and analog textures.
Cassette Details:
White shell cassette tape with burgundy imprinting, housed in a clear norelco box and shrinkwrapped. Loaded with FerroMaster C456™ super ferric, ultra-high performance type-1 music grade analog tape.
Written, produced, and engineered by Lamasz
Mastered by James Edward Armstrong (Farnham, UK)
Photography by Pier-Luc Tremblay
Design and layout by zakè
--
©℗ Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-C021 | MMXXI
pastinsidethepresent.com
pitpstore.com
pitp.shop
pitp.us
by
Lamasz
Limited Edition Cassette
10/29/2021
Lamasz’s sophomore release on Past Inside the Present titled, ‘Broderie’ is a concept album composed entirely of processed loops. Though each unique in their form, the three pieces of Broderie are united in their objective; to immerse the listener in an unsteady lo-fi musical experience.
One could focus on a single loop, similar to a thread in an embroidery, but in reality, at the the heart of it is a dreamy harmonic record with a balanced blend of digital and analog textures.
Cassette Details:
White shell cassette tape with burgundy imprinting, housed in a clear norelco box and shrinkwrapped. Loaded with FerroMaster C456™ super ferric, ultra-high performance type-1 music grade analog tape.
Written, produced, and engineered by Lamasz
Mastered by James Edward Armstrong (Farnham, UK)
Photography by Pier-Luc Tremblay
Design and layout by zakè
--
©℗ Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-C021 | MMXXI
pastinsidethepresent.com
pitpstore.com
pitp.shop
pitp.us
'Ville inerte'
by Grandbruit
|
|
Ville inerte
by
Grandbruit
Limited Edition Cassette
10/29/2021
Ville inerte was composed incrementally over the course of two years. The album is an ode to Montréal and its districts. It depicts the love and hate relationship one can have with its city.
In the midst of the first confinement, in early spring 2020, where walking seemed to be the only activity permitted, I was able to rediscover my neighborhood. In the daily grind of everyday life, it is easy to loose perspective and to overlook the details of what surrounds us. This time given to us allowed me to soak in all the beauty and the grit of Montréal. The tracks were created from layers of guitar solos and simplistic field recordings.
A city can be lively, and sometimes inert, like its residents.
Cassette Details:
Light Gray shell cassette tape with brown imprinting, housed in a clear norelco box and shrinkwrapped. Loaded with FerroMaster C456™ super ferric, ultra-high performance type-1 music grade analog tape.
Written, produced, and engineered by Grandbruit
Mastered by James Edward Armstrong (Farnham, UK)
Photography by Francis Tremblay
Design and layout by zakè
--
©℗ Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-C019 | MMXXI
pastinsidethepresent.com
pitpstore.com
pitp.shop
pitp.us
by
Grandbruit
Limited Edition Cassette
10/29/2021
Ville inerte was composed incrementally over the course of two years. The album is an ode to Montréal and its districts. It depicts the love and hate relationship one can have with its city.
In the midst of the first confinement, in early spring 2020, where walking seemed to be the only activity permitted, I was able to rediscover my neighborhood. In the daily grind of everyday life, it is easy to loose perspective and to overlook the details of what surrounds us. This time given to us allowed me to soak in all the beauty and the grit of Montréal. The tracks were created from layers of guitar solos and simplistic field recordings.
A city can be lively, and sometimes inert, like its residents.
Cassette Details:
Light Gray shell cassette tape with brown imprinting, housed in a clear norelco box and shrinkwrapped. Loaded with FerroMaster C456™ super ferric, ultra-high performance type-1 music grade analog tape.
Written, produced, and engineered by Grandbruit
Mastered by James Edward Armstrong (Farnham, UK)
Photography by Francis Tremblay
Design and layout by zakè
--
©℗ Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-C019 | MMXXI
pastinsidethepresent.com
pitpstore.com
pitp.shop
pitp.us
'prologue: The Magic Lantern'
by Slow Dancing Society
|
|
prologue: The Magic Lantern
by
Slow Dancing Society
Limited Edition Cassette
10/29/2021
Cassette Details:
Cream shell cassette tape with black imprinting, housed in a clear norelco box. Loaded with FerroMaster C456™ super ferric, ultra-high performance type-1 music grade analog tape. Entire assembly housed in a matte, O-Card and Shrinkwrapped.
All music written, produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by
Drew Sullivan at SDS Studio (WA/US)
Cover design by Drew Sullivan
Layout by zakè
--
©℗ Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-C022 | MMXXI
pastinsidethepresent.com
pitpstore.com
pitp.shop
pitp.us
by
Slow Dancing Society
Limited Edition Cassette
10/29/2021
Cassette Details:
Cream shell cassette tape with black imprinting, housed in a clear norelco box. Loaded with FerroMaster C456™ super ferric, ultra-high performance type-1 music grade analog tape. Entire assembly housed in a matte, O-Card and Shrinkwrapped.
All music written, produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by
Drew Sullivan at SDS Studio (WA/US)
Cover design by Drew Sullivan
Layout by zakè
--
©℗ Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-C022 | MMXXI
pastinsidethepresent.com
pitpstore.com
pitp.shop
pitp.us
'Repetition Hymns'
by Black Swan
|
|
Repetition Hymns
by
Black Swan
Deluxe Edition: 2xLP + 2xCS + 11” Lithograph
10/17/2021
A reissue of Repetition Hymns is now available. The deluxe edition includes a new limited jacket and for first time available on double cassette.
Bundle Details:
2xLP-
160 gram transparent smoke 2xLP housed in a wide spine, chipboard jacket with 11”x3” wrap around sticker. Full color center labels. Records placed in black, anti-static inner sleeves with .75 gauge archival polypropylene lining. Includes a 11"x11" double-sided lithograph.
2xCassette-
Tinted smoke shell cassette tapes with white imprinting. Housed in a clear, vertical stack norelco box. Double-sided full color j-card. Loaded with FerroMaster C456™ super ferric, ultra-high performance type-1 music grade analog tape. Shrinkwrapped.
About:
Comprised of 19 vignettes, the relatively short tracks impart a strong forward momentum despite the 80-minute runtime. Repetition Hymns is thus particularly well-suited to the temporal distortion of quarantine, in which each day feels like an endless repeating loop. Our bleeding hearts are in need of drone like never before.
In the decade since the release of In 8 Movements, Black Swan’s 2010 debut, the anonymous producer has built a reputation for his unique brand of tape-based symphonic drones. While the author behind the moniker remains hidden, Black Swan is still able to surprise and captivate. The dark symphonic deconstructions of those early works have slowly evolved, making space for lighter textures and tranquil meditations on sound, expanding the palette of tones while staying true to an identity in flux.
A common complaint made of drone music is that it is too unchanging, but repetition is also a form of change. So much of contemporary pop music relies on strophic forms built upon inhumanely perfect MIDI loops, repeating the same song structures and melodies. Black Swan gravitates instead towards the imperfections of tape loops, not as a nostalgic fetish but a source of artistic experimentation.
Repetition Hymns is composed of layers of handmade tape loops of varying lengths and pitches manipulated on multiple multitrack recorders. There is a raw quality to this method that conveys a looseness, and a freedom, unlike any of Black Swan’s prior work. The repetition of a loop alters its perception, drawing attention to subtle textural modulation and events resulting from interaction with other loops, before moving onto the next micro-composition. The short track times discourage stasis while allowing for larger scales of interplay throughout the album as a whole. Versions echo throughout, creating cycles within cycles, as reprised motifs disorient the listener’s sense of time.
Sweeping sustained string crescendos can’t help but evoke cinematic metaphors, but any sense of narrative remains abstract. Like a sonic equivalent of the blurred and streaked canvases of Gerhardt Richter’s abstract paintings, Black Swan’s music isolates fine detail to be drawn out over time. Slowness becomes an act of resistance, obliging the listener to live fully in the present. Music is especially well-suited to exploring the malleability of time, and Repetition Hymns is slow music for slow times.
--
Written and produced by Black Swan
Mastered at Schwebung Mastering (Germany) by Stephan Mathieu
Design, layout and assemblage by Black Swan
--
© Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V034 | MMXXI
PITP.bandcamp.com
www.pastinsidethepresent.com
by
Black Swan
Deluxe Edition: 2xLP + 2xCS + 11” Lithograph
10/17/2021
A reissue of Repetition Hymns is now available. The deluxe edition includes a new limited jacket and for first time available on double cassette.
Bundle Details:
2xLP-
160 gram transparent smoke 2xLP housed in a wide spine, chipboard jacket with 11”x3” wrap around sticker. Full color center labels. Records placed in black, anti-static inner sleeves with .75 gauge archival polypropylene lining. Includes a 11"x11" double-sided lithograph.
2xCassette-
Tinted smoke shell cassette tapes with white imprinting. Housed in a clear, vertical stack norelco box. Double-sided full color j-card. Loaded with FerroMaster C456™ super ferric, ultra-high performance type-1 music grade analog tape. Shrinkwrapped.
About:
Comprised of 19 vignettes, the relatively short tracks impart a strong forward momentum despite the 80-minute runtime. Repetition Hymns is thus particularly well-suited to the temporal distortion of quarantine, in which each day feels like an endless repeating loop. Our bleeding hearts are in need of drone like never before.
In the decade since the release of In 8 Movements, Black Swan’s 2010 debut, the anonymous producer has built a reputation for his unique brand of tape-based symphonic drones. While the author behind the moniker remains hidden, Black Swan is still able to surprise and captivate. The dark symphonic deconstructions of those early works have slowly evolved, making space for lighter textures and tranquil meditations on sound, expanding the palette of tones while staying true to an identity in flux.
A common complaint made of drone music is that it is too unchanging, but repetition is also a form of change. So much of contemporary pop music relies on strophic forms built upon inhumanely perfect MIDI loops, repeating the same song structures and melodies. Black Swan gravitates instead towards the imperfections of tape loops, not as a nostalgic fetish but a source of artistic experimentation.
Repetition Hymns is composed of layers of handmade tape loops of varying lengths and pitches manipulated on multiple multitrack recorders. There is a raw quality to this method that conveys a looseness, and a freedom, unlike any of Black Swan’s prior work. The repetition of a loop alters its perception, drawing attention to subtle textural modulation and events resulting from interaction with other loops, before moving onto the next micro-composition. The short track times discourage stasis while allowing for larger scales of interplay throughout the album as a whole. Versions echo throughout, creating cycles within cycles, as reprised motifs disorient the listener’s sense of time.
Sweeping sustained string crescendos can’t help but evoke cinematic metaphors, but any sense of narrative remains abstract. Like a sonic equivalent of the blurred and streaked canvases of Gerhardt Richter’s abstract paintings, Black Swan’s music isolates fine detail to be drawn out over time. Slowness becomes an act of resistance, obliging the listener to live fully in the present. Music is especially well-suited to exploring the malleability of time, and Repetition Hymns is slow music for slow times.
--
Written and produced by Black Swan
Mastered at Schwebung Mastering (Germany) by Stephan Mathieu
Design, layout and assemblage by Black Swan
--
© Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V034 | MMXXI
PITP.bandcamp.com
www.pastinsidethepresent.com
|
|
|
|
'Glazed Vision'
by Christina Giannone
|
|
Glazed Vision
by
Christina Giannone
Limited Edition LP (transparent clear)
Limited Edition LP (opaque pink)
11/12/2021
“Cult American ambient label Past Inside The Present looks to New York City-based composer Christina Giannone for her new full length Glazed Vision. This is her first proper full length on PITP, following her 2019 introduction to the label, Redempton ep which was received to high acclaim. Glazed Vision is another development of her dark, heavy, drone fulled ambient landscapes. These arrangements encompass lo-fi, foggy tracks that hang in mid air, as only the most subtle of shapeshifting chords brings a sense of motion. It is bleak yet beautiful and never less than hugely absorbing.”
-Juno Records
LP Details:
160 gram LP on opaque pink (100) and clear (200) vinyl housed in a semi-gloss jacket. PITP branded labels. Shrinkwrapped.
Credits:
Written and produced by Christina Giannone
Mastered at Black Knoll Studio (US) by Rafael Anton Irisarri
Photography by Christina Giannone
Design, layout, and assemblage by zakè
--
©℗ Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V053 | MMXXI
pastinsidethepresent.com
pitpstore.com
pitp.shop
pitp.us
by
Christina Giannone
Limited Edition LP (transparent clear)
Limited Edition LP (opaque pink)
11/12/2021
“Cult American ambient label Past Inside The Present looks to New York City-based composer Christina Giannone for her new full length Glazed Vision. This is her first proper full length on PITP, following her 2019 introduction to the label, Redempton ep which was received to high acclaim. Glazed Vision is another development of her dark, heavy, drone fulled ambient landscapes. These arrangements encompass lo-fi, foggy tracks that hang in mid air, as only the most subtle of shapeshifting chords brings a sense of motion. It is bleak yet beautiful and never less than hugely absorbing.”
-Juno Records
LP Details:
160 gram LP on opaque pink (100) and clear (200) vinyl housed in a semi-gloss jacket. PITP branded labels. Shrinkwrapped.
Credits:
Written and produced by Christina Giannone
Mastered at Black Knoll Studio (US) by Rafael Anton Irisarri
Photography by Christina Giannone
Design, layout, and assemblage by zakè
--
©℗ Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V053 | MMXXI
pastinsidethepresent.com
pitpstore.com
pitp.shop
pitp.us
'Keep The Orange Sun'
by awakened souls & From Overseas
|
|
|
|
Keep The Orange Sun
by
awakened souls & From Overseas
Limited Edition LP / Digistak / Digital
09/24/2021
Los Angeles based ambient husband and wife duo, awakened souls join with Réunion Island native, From Overseas to create Keep The Orange Sun. After hearing each other’s individual music, a deeper conversation started about shared musical influences and inspiration leading to the creation of this album. Keep The Orange Sun guides the listener on a thoughtfully curated path. Starting with the certainty of life’s changes (Certainty of Tides) to arising self-doubt (Release/Adapt) and celebrating immersion in the present moment as the gateway to deeper connection with nature and one’s life (Keep The Orange Sun). The instrumentation present in each track channels elements of electronic, shoegaze & ambient with each artist’s distinct musical fingerprint highlighted.
awakened souls & From Overseas are:
Cynthia Bernard: Guitar, Vocals, Vocal textures
James Bernard: 6 String Bass Guitar, Piano, Drum programming, TB-303
Kévin Séry: Guitar, OP-1, Effects
All songs mixed by James Bernard
Written and performed by awakened souls & From Overseas
Vinyl / digital mastered at Schwebung Mastering (Germany) by Stephan Mathieu
Compact disc mastered at Ambient Mountain House by James Bernard
Artwork by Jason Akira Somma
Design and layout by zakè
--
© Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V047 | MMXXI
PITP.bandcamp.com
www.pastinsidethepresent.com
by
awakened souls & From Overseas
Limited Edition LP / Digistak / Digital
09/24/2021
Los Angeles based ambient husband and wife duo, awakened souls join with Réunion Island native, From Overseas to create Keep The Orange Sun. After hearing each other’s individual music, a deeper conversation started about shared musical influences and inspiration leading to the creation of this album. Keep The Orange Sun guides the listener on a thoughtfully curated path. Starting with the certainty of life’s changes (Certainty of Tides) to arising self-doubt (Release/Adapt) and celebrating immersion in the present moment as the gateway to deeper connection with nature and one’s life (Keep The Orange Sun). The instrumentation present in each track channels elements of electronic, shoegaze & ambient with each artist’s distinct musical fingerprint highlighted.
awakened souls & From Overseas are:
Cynthia Bernard: Guitar, Vocals, Vocal textures
James Bernard: 6 String Bass Guitar, Piano, Drum programming, TB-303
Kévin Séry: Guitar, OP-1, Effects
All songs mixed by James Bernard
Written and performed by awakened souls & From Overseas
Vinyl / digital mastered at Schwebung Mastering (Germany) by Stephan Mathieu
Compact disc mastered at Ambient Mountain House by James Bernard
Artwork by Jason Akira Somma
Design and layout by zakè
--
© Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V047 | MMXXI
PITP.bandcamp.com
www.pastinsidethepresent.com
'Vanaprastha'
by Alex Smalley
|
|
|
Vanaprastha
by
Alex Smalley
Limited Edition LP (transparent pink)
Limited Edition LP (transparent blue)
08/20/2021
Alex has released a collection of immersive works with Past Inside the Present and we are honored to release his first official solo album.
Alex has worked under the well-known aliases Olan Mill and llm, which PITP released previously unreleased tracks for our Healing Sounds I Compilation (bit.ly/2VJpHfm). His track, ‘Gaia’ still is our highest streamed track from our catalogue. Less than a year later, PITP released a long player by Alex and Simon’s drone project known as Pausal. 'Melatonia' was the seventh album by the duo and encompassed six expansive pieces, sequenced into an uninterrupted hour long album designed for prolonged and deep listening.
A year later from Melatonia, we are pleased to offer Alex’s newest endeavor titled, ‘Vanaprastha’. According to Alex, ‘Vanaprastha was inspired by so many different events, changes and progressions it's hard to pin down anything specific, though relocating from the UK to Germany was impactful, along with starting a family’. He further states, ‘learning more about plant medicine, Veganism, meditation and yoga on the Island of Koh Phangan in Thailand was really progressive for my creative process.’
The title Vanaprastha literally means "retiring to the forest" and is the third stage in the Varnashrama system of Hinduism. It represents the third of the four ashramas of human life, the other three being Brahmacharya, Grihastha and Sannyasa. Alex states, ‘This is my first solo album, the music serves as a release from an old way of life where for many years I was lost and found in the woods of rural Hampshire, England.’ The music on Vanaprastha is deeply layered and mediative. Written, recorded and mixed throughout the summer of 2020, you will hear Guitars, flutes, voice, organ and Marimbas that were set against field recordings from the river Ilm, Weimar.
Alex’s music is a collage of therapeutic dream-states aimed to promote mindful interactions with nature and the cosmos.
LP Details:
160 gram transparent blue (100 copies) and transparent pink (200 copies) vinyl housed in a full color, UV high gloss coated jacket. Full color center labels. Record placed in black, anti-static inner sleeve with a .75 gauge archival polypropylene lining. Shrinkwrapped. There will also be a very small amount of test presses on black vinyl, for those who want something extra-unique for their collection.
Credits:
Written and performed by Alex Smalley
Mastered by Porya Hatami
Artwork by Bruce Riley
Layout and assemblage by zakè
--
© Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V038 | MMXXI
pastinsidethepresent.com
alexsmalley.net
by
Alex Smalley
Limited Edition LP (transparent pink)
Limited Edition LP (transparent blue)
08/20/2021
Alex has released a collection of immersive works with Past Inside the Present and we are honored to release his first official solo album.
Alex has worked under the well-known aliases Olan Mill and llm, which PITP released previously unreleased tracks for our Healing Sounds I Compilation (bit.ly/2VJpHfm). His track, ‘Gaia’ still is our highest streamed track from our catalogue. Less than a year later, PITP released a long player by Alex and Simon’s drone project known as Pausal. 'Melatonia' was the seventh album by the duo and encompassed six expansive pieces, sequenced into an uninterrupted hour long album designed for prolonged and deep listening.
A year later from Melatonia, we are pleased to offer Alex’s newest endeavor titled, ‘Vanaprastha’. According to Alex, ‘Vanaprastha was inspired by so many different events, changes and progressions it's hard to pin down anything specific, though relocating from the UK to Germany was impactful, along with starting a family’. He further states, ‘learning more about plant medicine, Veganism, meditation and yoga on the Island of Koh Phangan in Thailand was really progressive for my creative process.’
The title Vanaprastha literally means "retiring to the forest" and is the third stage in the Varnashrama system of Hinduism. It represents the third of the four ashramas of human life, the other three being Brahmacharya, Grihastha and Sannyasa. Alex states, ‘This is my first solo album, the music serves as a release from an old way of life where for many years I was lost and found in the woods of rural Hampshire, England.’ The music on Vanaprastha is deeply layered and mediative. Written, recorded and mixed throughout the summer of 2020, you will hear Guitars, flutes, voice, organ and Marimbas that were set against field recordings from the river Ilm, Weimar.
Alex’s music is a collage of therapeutic dream-states aimed to promote mindful interactions with nature and the cosmos.
LP Details:
160 gram transparent blue (100 copies) and transparent pink (200 copies) vinyl housed in a full color, UV high gloss coated jacket. Full color center labels. Record placed in black, anti-static inner sleeve with a .75 gauge archival polypropylene lining. Shrinkwrapped. There will also be a very small amount of test presses on black vinyl, for those who want something extra-unique for their collection.
Credits:
Written and performed by Alex Smalley
Mastered by Porya Hatami
Artwork by Bruce Riley
Layout and assemblage by zakè
--
© Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V038 | MMXXI
pastinsidethepresent.com
alexsmalley.net
|
|
|
'Wave Variations'
by 36
|
|
|
Wave Variations
by
36
Limited Edition LP / Digistak CD
07/30/2021
Past Inside The Present is pleased to announce ‘Wave Variations’ which is a new mini-album by veteran ambient producer Dennis Huddleston AKA 36.
36 has often enjoyed exploring self-imposed restrictions, as it forces him to be creative, while allowing an inherently coherent sound between the different compositions. All the arrangements on Wave Variations use a limited pallete of mostly synth-based sounds, with particular focus on keys and melodies. Each track directly influenced the next one.
Dennis has kept almost every track around three minutes in length. He states, 'I feel like a lot of ambient music (including my own) is often unnecessarily long and these small vignettes work as a nice counter to that. Don't expect long build-ups or over-extended crescendos; These are short tracks that take you straight to Elysium and then dissolve into the ether.'
He further explains the output of Wave Variations, 'Ocean tides inspired the album. I think we've all felt that sense of longing and wonder while standing at the beach, staring at the waves and gazing into the endless horizon. I think it's something that transcends all generations of people. Like the waves, these tracks leave as quickly as they arrive. I feel it's one of the most minimal records I have made, with far fewer individual sound sources at my disposal. It keeps me on my toes and forces me to deeply explore the instruments I have available to me.'
This stripped-back sound gives the album a hypnotic quality to it. Like much of Dennis' work, there is a delicate balance between melancholic melodies and rich textures, resulting in an understated yet deeply exhilarating sound. Fans of emotional, melodic ambient music should find plenty to enjoy.
--
Written and produced by 36
Artwork and design by 36
Recorded between June-July 2019
© Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V036
--
PITP.bandcamp.com
pastinsidethepresent.com
by
36
Limited Edition LP / Digistak CD
07/30/2021
Past Inside The Present is pleased to announce ‘Wave Variations’ which is a new mini-album by veteran ambient producer Dennis Huddleston AKA 36.
36 has often enjoyed exploring self-imposed restrictions, as it forces him to be creative, while allowing an inherently coherent sound between the different compositions. All the arrangements on Wave Variations use a limited pallete of mostly synth-based sounds, with particular focus on keys and melodies. Each track directly influenced the next one.
Dennis has kept almost every track around three minutes in length. He states, 'I feel like a lot of ambient music (including my own) is often unnecessarily long and these small vignettes work as a nice counter to that. Don't expect long build-ups or over-extended crescendos; These are short tracks that take you straight to Elysium and then dissolve into the ether.'
He further explains the output of Wave Variations, 'Ocean tides inspired the album. I think we've all felt that sense of longing and wonder while standing at the beach, staring at the waves and gazing into the endless horizon. I think it's something that transcends all generations of people. Like the waves, these tracks leave as quickly as they arrive. I feel it's one of the most minimal records I have made, with far fewer individual sound sources at my disposal. It keeps me on my toes and forces me to deeply explore the instruments I have available to me.'
This stripped-back sound gives the album a hypnotic quality to it. Like much of Dennis' work, there is a delicate balance between melancholic melodies and rich textures, resulting in an understated yet deeply exhilarating sound. Fans of emotional, melodic ambient music should find plenty to enjoy.
--
Written and produced by 36
Artwork and design by 36
Recorded between June-July 2019
© Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V036
--
PITP.bandcamp.com
pastinsidethepresent.com
'beliefsystems'
by zakè and Isaac Helsen
|
|
beliefsystems
by
zakè and Isaac Helsen
Limited Edition LP (transparent green)
Limited Edition LP (transparent citrine)
Limited Edition Digistak CD
06/25/2021
A joint effort long past due, PITP founders zakè and Isaac Helsen team up to bring forth three arrangements that encompass textured ambient washes and drone-laden guitar work titled ‘beliefsystems’. zakè is known for his dronescapes using field recordings, tape machines, sample extractions and sound manipulations. Repetition and textural ambient drone have been the quintessential characteristics of his audio output. Isaac is known for his patient approach to the phonic canvas resulting in gentle yet immersive movements; primarily emitting from his masterful processed guitar work. 'beliefsystems' is a pure and natural blend of each artists' musical approach. There is a certain new depth and solemnity felt across the thirty eight minutes of lush ambient movements that could only be realized by their sounds and craft coalescing together into beautiful unknown territories.
LP Details:
160 gram transparent transparent green (100 copies) and transparent citrine (200 copies) vinyl housed in a full color, semi-gloss jacket. PITP branded center labels. Record placed in black, anti-static inner sleeve with a .75 gauge archival polypropylene lining. Shrinkwrapped. There will also be a very small amount of test presses on black vinyl, for those who want something extra-unique for their collection.
Credits:
Written, recorded, and produced by zakè and Isaac Helsen
Mastered at Schwebung Mastering (DE) by Stephan Mathieu
Design, layout, and assemblage by zakè
Photography by Benoît Pioulard
--
©℗ Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V037 | MMXXI
pastinsidethepresent.com
pitpstore.com
pitp.shop
pitp.us
by
zakè and Isaac Helsen
Limited Edition LP (transparent green)
Limited Edition LP (transparent citrine)
Limited Edition Digistak CD
06/25/2021
A joint effort long past due, PITP founders zakè and Isaac Helsen team up to bring forth three arrangements that encompass textured ambient washes and drone-laden guitar work titled ‘beliefsystems’. zakè is known for his dronescapes using field recordings, tape machines, sample extractions and sound manipulations. Repetition and textural ambient drone have been the quintessential characteristics of his audio output. Isaac is known for his patient approach to the phonic canvas resulting in gentle yet immersive movements; primarily emitting from his masterful processed guitar work. 'beliefsystems' is a pure and natural blend of each artists' musical approach. There is a certain new depth and solemnity felt across the thirty eight minutes of lush ambient movements that could only be realized by their sounds and craft coalescing together into beautiful unknown territories.
LP Details:
160 gram transparent transparent green (100 copies) and transparent citrine (200 copies) vinyl housed in a full color, semi-gloss jacket. PITP branded center labels. Record placed in black, anti-static inner sleeve with a .75 gauge archival polypropylene lining. Shrinkwrapped. There will also be a very small amount of test presses on black vinyl, for those who want something extra-unique for their collection.
Credits:
Written, recorded, and produced by zakè and Isaac Helsen
Mastered at Schwebung Mastering (DE) by Stephan Mathieu
Design, layout, and assemblage by zakè
Photography by Benoît Pioulard
--
©℗ Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V037 | MMXXI
pastinsidethepresent.com
pitpstore.com
pitp.shop
pitp.us
'Canticles of B-Sides'
by Wayne Robert Thomas
|
|
Canticles of B-Sides
by
Wayne Robert Thomas
Limited Edition Digistak / Digital
06/25/2021
"Initial recordings for 'Canticles Of Bliss' started in October of 2019 at my home studio located just south of Indianapolis. At the start of 2020 I continued recording songs off and on up until late April where I then took a break and then picked up the guitar again in July. I used an electric guitar for the recordings while utilizing very little effects and a loop station. Quite a lot of the tracks I made ended up not making it on 'Canticles of Bliss'. As such, these eight selected arrangements are a collection of b-sides from the Canticles of Bliss recording sessions.
A few of these songs here were done in one take, often with a loop station accompanying the main riff. Many of the track titles are references to a place here in the midwest, a fictional map to a video game, or a phrase that really stuck with me. I hope for the listener that these songs will at least resonate with them in some way."
--
Composed and recorded by Wayne Robert Thomas
with an electric guitar at Stan Mikita's Donuts,
Aurora, Indiana from October 2019 to August 2020
Mastered and blessed at Schwebung Mastering (Germany)
by Stephan Mathieu
Design, layout, and christened by Sir Frizzell (zakè)
© Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V036B | MMXXI
--
PITP.bandcamp.com
pastinsidethepresent.com
by
Wayne Robert Thomas
Limited Edition Digistak / Digital
06/25/2021
"Initial recordings for 'Canticles Of Bliss' started in October of 2019 at my home studio located just south of Indianapolis. At the start of 2020 I continued recording songs off and on up until late April where I then took a break and then picked up the guitar again in July. I used an electric guitar for the recordings while utilizing very little effects and a loop station. Quite a lot of the tracks I made ended up not making it on 'Canticles of Bliss'. As such, these eight selected arrangements are a collection of b-sides from the Canticles of Bliss recording sessions.
A few of these songs here were done in one take, often with a loop station accompanying the main riff. Many of the track titles are references to a place here in the midwest, a fictional map to a video game, or a phrase that really stuck with me. I hope for the listener that these songs will at least resonate with them in some way."
--
Composed and recorded by Wayne Robert Thomas
with an electric guitar at Stan Mikita's Donuts,
Aurora, Indiana from October 2019 to August 2020
Mastered and blessed at Schwebung Mastering (Germany)
by Stephan Mathieu
Design, layout, and christened by Sir Frizzell (zakè)
© Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V036B | MMXXI
--
PITP.bandcamp.com
pastinsidethepresent.com
'Canticles of Bliss'
by Wayne Robert Thomas
|
|
Canticles of Bliss
by
Wayne Robert Thomas
LP + 11" Lithograph / Digital
06/25/2021
"Initial recordings for 'Canticles Of Bliss' started in October of 2019 at my home studio located just south of Indianapolis. At the start of 2020 I continued recording songs off and on up until late April where I then took a break and then picked up the guitar again in July. By the beginning of August of that year I had everything wrapped up. An additional guitar was added to a track, as well as a mutated brass recording was featured on another. I used an electric guitar for the recordings while utilizing very little effects and a loop station. Quite a lot of the tracks I made ended up not making the cut and a considerable amount of time was then spent listening to a small selection of songs. They were rearranged a few times before I felt they could be finalized.
Although the works of Hildegard Von Bingen were an obvious inspiration in the title of this album, these seven songs aren't necessarily canticles in a religious sense. Nor can I sing that well, but instead have found a voice in the electric guitar which I have often felt to be an extension of my body. A few of these songs here were done in one take, often with a loop station accompanying the main riff. Many of the track titles are references to a place here in the midwest, a fictional map to a video game, or a phrase that really stuck with me. I hope for the listener that these songs will at least resonate with them in some way."
--
Composed and recorded by Wayne Robert Thomas with an electric guitar at Stan Mikita's Donuts,
Aurora, Indiana from October 2019 to August 2020
Design, layout and assemblage and christened by Sir Frizzell (zakè)
Mastered and blessed at Schwebung Mastering (Germany) by Stephan Mathieu
Muted trombone by Ron-Robert Thompson on 'Just Be Patient With Me'
Additional guitar by Andrew Bergman on 'Envoi'
"Love abounds in everything"
--
© Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V036 | MMXXI
--
PITP.bandcamp.com
pastinsidethepresent.com
by
Wayne Robert Thomas
LP + 11" Lithograph / Digital
06/25/2021
"Initial recordings for 'Canticles Of Bliss' started in October of 2019 at my home studio located just south of Indianapolis. At the start of 2020 I continued recording songs off and on up until late April where I then took a break and then picked up the guitar again in July. By the beginning of August of that year I had everything wrapped up. An additional guitar was added to a track, as well as a mutated brass recording was featured on another. I used an electric guitar for the recordings while utilizing very little effects and a loop station. Quite a lot of the tracks I made ended up not making the cut and a considerable amount of time was then spent listening to a small selection of songs. They were rearranged a few times before I felt they could be finalized.
Although the works of Hildegard Von Bingen were an obvious inspiration in the title of this album, these seven songs aren't necessarily canticles in a religious sense. Nor can I sing that well, but instead have found a voice in the electric guitar which I have often felt to be an extension of my body. A few of these songs here were done in one take, often with a loop station accompanying the main riff. Many of the track titles are references to a place here in the midwest, a fictional map to a video game, or a phrase that really stuck with me. I hope for the listener that these songs will at least resonate with them in some way."
--
Composed and recorded by Wayne Robert Thomas with an electric guitar at Stan Mikita's Donuts,
Aurora, Indiana from October 2019 to August 2020
Design, layout and assemblage and christened by Sir Frizzell (zakè)
Mastered and blessed at Schwebung Mastering (Germany) by Stephan Mathieu
Muted trombone by Ron-Robert Thompson on 'Just Be Patient With Me'
Additional guitar by Andrew Bergman on 'Envoi'
"Love abounds in everything"
--
© Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V036 | MMXXI
--
PITP.bandcamp.com
pastinsidethepresent.com
'Unfailing Love'
by zakè & marine eyes
|
|
Unfailing Love
by
zakè and marine eyes
LP / Digital
05/28/2021
'Unfailing Love' is a deeply personal and intimate project by zakè & marine eyes. These tracks will take you on a journey of grief, resiliency and the power of the human spirit; a consistent path to learn compassion and empathy deeper. It is a testament of unfailing love. Forever floating together.
Written recorded and produced by zakè and marine eyes
Additional textures and co-production by Damien Duque
Additional vocals on ‘Floating Together’ by Lucy Gooch
Mastered at Schwebung Mastering by Stephan Mathieu
Design, layout and assemblage by zakè
Photography by Benoît Pioulard
zakè and marine eyes are:
Zach Frizzell and Cynthia Bernard
Zach would like to thank-
The love of my life and kindred spirit-Julia, James Bernard, Isaac & Kait Helsen, Nick Turner, Kévin Séry and Drew Sullivan
Cynthia would like to thank-
My love and dream team partner-James, our children, Kurt Kurasaki and in loving memory of Nicole
We would like to thank-
Lucy Gooch, Damien Duque, Benoît Pioulard, Stephan Mathieu, Brad Deschamps and Dennis Huddleston
--
© Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V017 | MMXXI
PITP.bandcamp.com
pastinsidethepresent.com
by
zakè and marine eyes
LP / Digital
05/28/2021
'Unfailing Love' is a deeply personal and intimate project by zakè & marine eyes. These tracks will take you on a journey of grief, resiliency and the power of the human spirit; a consistent path to learn compassion and empathy deeper. It is a testament of unfailing love. Forever floating together.
Written recorded and produced by zakè and marine eyes
Additional textures and co-production by Damien Duque
Additional vocals on ‘Floating Together’ by Lucy Gooch
Mastered at Schwebung Mastering by Stephan Mathieu
Design, layout and assemblage by zakè
Photography by Benoît Pioulard
zakè and marine eyes are:
Zach Frizzell and Cynthia Bernard
Zach would like to thank-
The love of my life and kindred spirit-Julia, James Bernard, Isaac & Kait Helsen, Nick Turner, Kévin Séry and Drew Sullivan
Cynthia would like to thank-
My love and dream team partner-James, our children, Kurt Kurasaki and in loving memory of Nicole
We would like to thank-
Lucy Gooch, Damien Duque, Benoît Pioulard, Stephan Mathieu, Brad Deschamps and Dennis Huddleston
--
© Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V017 | MMXXI
PITP.bandcamp.com
pastinsidethepresent.com
|
|
PRESSING DETAILS
160 gram LP on opaque blossom (edition of 100) & transparent clear (edition of 200) vinyl housed in a semi-gloss jacket. PITP branded labels. Record placed in black, anti-static inner sleeve with a .75 gauge archival polypropylene lining. Shrinkwrapped.
160 gram LP on opaque blossom (edition of 100) & transparent clear (edition of 200) vinyl housed in a semi-gloss jacket. PITP branded labels. Record placed in black, anti-static inner sleeve with a .75 gauge archival polypropylene lining. Shrinkwrapped.
|
|
'Love Me Tender'
by Ai Yamamoto
|
|
Love Me Tender
by
Ai Yamamoto
LP / Digital
04/02/2021
Ai Yamamoto is a Japanese-born and Melbourne, Australia based artist who has been making music since the early 2000’s. With her first album on PITP, ‘Love me Tender,’ Ai composes free structured songs, brushed with gentle melodies using piano, strings, wind instruments, and various textures.
Created over the span of 2018-2020, Ai’s careful focus on the mixing process give the tracks a spacious yet intimate sound through mindful cultivation. Dedicating this album to family, friends and her children who have given her their hearts, ‘Love me Tender’ feels much like a love letter, whispering that we can always choose to find a way to be filled with hope (kibou) and find ourselves again.
Credits:
Written, recorded, and produced by Ai Yamamoto
Mastered at Schwebung Mastering (Germany) by Stephan Mathieu
Cover Photography by Ai Yamamoto
Design, layout, and assemblage by zakè
Thanks to Yamamoto Family, Mares family, English Family,
Electric Dream Studio, MAV, Tammy and Jessica, Sofi, and
friends who have helped me to grow and learn.
--
© Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V027
PITP.bandcamp.com
www.pastinsidethepresent.com
by
Ai Yamamoto
LP / Digital
04/02/2021
Ai Yamamoto is a Japanese-born and Melbourne, Australia based artist who has been making music since the early 2000’s. With her first album on PITP, ‘Love me Tender,’ Ai composes free structured songs, brushed with gentle melodies using piano, strings, wind instruments, and various textures.
Created over the span of 2018-2020, Ai’s careful focus on the mixing process give the tracks a spacious yet intimate sound through mindful cultivation. Dedicating this album to family, friends and her children who have given her their hearts, ‘Love me Tender’ feels much like a love letter, whispering that we can always choose to find a way to be filled with hope (kibou) and find ourselves again.
Credits:
Written, recorded, and produced by Ai Yamamoto
Mastered at Schwebung Mastering (Germany) by Stephan Mathieu
Cover Photography by Ai Yamamoto
Design, layout, and assemblage by zakè
Thanks to Yamamoto Family, Mares family, English Family,
Electric Dream Studio, MAV, Tammy and Jessica, Sofi, and
friends who have helped me to grow and learn.
--
© Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V027
PITP.bandcamp.com
www.pastinsidethepresent.com
|
|
▪️▪️▪️
REVIEW
“This is the first album Ai Yamamoto has released for US imprint Past Inside The Present, and it almost feels like an artist finally coming home - albeit a home they never lived in before. A perfect meeting of minds a long time in the making, fittingly the work included here has also taken a while to materialise, with the arrangements presented written and recorded over a two year period, between 2018 and 2020.
Japan-born, Melbourne, Australia-bred, Yamamoto's extensive experience working with pianos, strings, wind instruments and keen attention to detail in terms of textures and timbre is clear to hear within moments of hitting play. Having been making music for the best part of two decades, she's long-since honed her craft and fine-tuned those skills, ensuring Love Me Tender is a hushed ambient beauty you won't easily forget.”
—Juno Records
REVIEW
“This is the first album Ai Yamamoto has released for US imprint Past Inside The Present, and it almost feels like an artist finally coming home - albeit a home they never lived in before. A perfect meeting of minds a long time in the making, fittingly the work included here has also taken a while to materialise, with the arrangements presented written and recorded over a two year period, between 2018 and 2020.
Japan-born, Melbourne, Australia-bred, Yamamoto's extensive experience working with pianos, strings, wind instruments and keen attention to detail in terms of textures and timbre is clear to hear within moments of hitting play. Having been making music for the best part of two decades, she's long-since honed her craft and fine-tuned those skills, ensuring Love Me Tender is a hushed ambient beauty you won't easily forget.”
—Juno Records
|
|
'Holographic Prism'
by Purl
|
|
Holographic Prism
by
Purl
LP / CD / Digital
03/19/2021
'Holographic Prism' is the final chapter of The Sky Trilogy by Purl – a three chapter volume of works, exploring collective dreams of celestial origin.
"Every being on this planet lives with the infinite vastness above every day. We call it the sky, and we look to it for beauty, for solace, and perhaps for a moment forgetting about the details of our lives and just taking in the grandeur of it all.
Our collective consciousness contains countless stories about the origins of life and of this realm we inhabit as human beings. Many of these relates to the heavens above, as different cultures have often named the celestial bodies in our vicinity (and some more distant ones) after the gods and godesses of mythologies past. We have multitudes of stories of divine beings inhabiting celestial realms, as well as of advanced alien civilizations inhabiting distant star systems.
I don't know where the sounds and ideas that eventually unfolded as The Sky Trilogy comes from, or what their purpose is. In some ways it feels like a distant transmission that I could not quite receive fully, with missing fragments and unclear parts. By once again disseminating these sounds in order to pass through the unique prisms of the minds of the other artists involved, yet another image has emerged that perhaps is the most true. I am grateful to them all." -- Ludvig Cimbrelius
Credits:
Source material and sound production by Purl
Remixed, produced & engineered by the following:
SVLBRD (1), Lav (2), Slow Dancing Society (3, 7, 10), Coppice Halifax (4), Warmth (5), Deflektion (6), Innesti (8), and Svartholtet (9)
'Selections: Holographic Prism' 12" Credits:
Features five of the ten tracks from Holographic Prism. Edited and mastered specifically for vinyl. This limited edition 12" features reworks by:
(11-A1) Merope (SVLBRD Remix), (12-A2) Merope (Lav Remix), (13-A3) Merope (Slow Dancing Society Remix), (14-B1) Celestial Entropy (Coppice Halifax Rephrase), and (15-B2) Celestial Entropy (Warmth Remix).
Vinyl versions mastered at Black Knoll Studio (NY) by Rafael Anton Irisarri
CD/Non-vinyl versions mastered at White Pillar Workshop (OH) by The Analog Botanist
Artwork created in a collaboration between Purl and Arij Moka
Assemblage, design treatments and layout by zakè
--
© Past Inside the Present
This is PITP26 | MMXXI
PITP.bandcamp.com
pastinsidethepresent.com
by
Purl
LP / CD / Digital
03/19/2021
'Holographic Prism' is the final chapter of The Sky Trilogy by Purl – a three chapter volume of works, exploring collective dreams of celestial origin.
"Every being on this planet lives with the infinite vastness above every day. We call it the sky, and we look to it for beauty, for solace, and perhaps for a moment forgetting about the details of our lives and just taking in the grandeur of it all.
Our collective consciousness contains countless stories about the origins of life and of this realm we inhabit as human beings. Many of these relates to the heavens above, as different cultures have often named the celestial bodies in our vicinity (and some more distant ones) after the gods and godesses of mythologies past. We have multitudes of stories of divine beings inhabiting celestial realms, as well as of advanced alien civilizations inhabiting distant star systems.
I don't know where the sounds and ideas that eventually unfolded as The Sky Trilogy comes from, or what their purpose is. In some ways it feels like a distant transmission that I could not quite receive fully, with missing fragments and unclear parts. By once again disseminating these sounds in order to pass through the unique prisms of the minds of the other artists involved, yet another image has emerged that perhaps is the most true. I am grateful to them all." -- Ludvig Cimbrelius
Credits:
Source material and sound production by Purl
Remixed, produced & engineered by the following:
SVLBRD (1), Lav (2), Slow Dancing Society (3, 7, 10), Coppice Halifax (4), Warmth (5), Deflektion (6), Innesti (8), and Svartholtet (9)
'Selections: Holographic Prism' 12" Credits:
Features five of the ten tracks from Holographic Prism. Edited and mastered specifically for vinyl. This limited edition 12" features reworks by:
(11-A1) Merope (SVLBRD Remix), (12-A2) Merope (Lav Remix), (13-A3) Merope (Slow Dancing Society Remix), (14-B1) Celestial Entropy (Coppice Halifax Rephrase), and (15-B2) Celestial Entropy (Warmth Remix).
Vinyl versions mastered at Black Knoll Studio (NY) by Rafael Anton Irisarri
CD/Non-vinyl versions mastered at White Pillar Workshop (OH) by The Analog Botanist
Artwork created in a collaboration between Purl and Arij Moka
Assemblage, design treatments and layout by zakè
--
© Past Inside the Present
This is PITP26 | MMXXI
PITP.bandcamp.com
pastinsidethepresent.com
|
|
|
|
Selections: Holographic Prism LP [transparent blue smoke]
'Selections: Holographic Prism' LP features five of the ten tracks on Holographic Prism. Pressed on 160 gram, transparent blue smoke vinyl housed in a semi-gloss jacket. Record placed in 20 lb. black paper inner sleeve with a .75 gauge archival polypropylene lining. Shrink-wrapped.
'Selections: Holographic Prism' LP features five of the ten tracks on Holographic Prism. Pressed on 160 gram, transparent blue smoke vinyl housed in a semi-gloss jacket. Record placed in 20 lb. black paper inner sleeve with a .75 gauge archival polypropylene lining. Shrink-wrapped.
|
|
|
|
Limited Edition Digipak CD
Glass-mastered (silverback), silkscreen printed CD housed in a 4-panel, 300g satin cardstock, standard spine Digipak. Clear cd tray. Cardstock made from 70 – 90% recycled board. Shrinkwrapped. Pressed and printed in the United Kingdom.
Glass-mastered (silverback), silkscreen printed CD housed in a 4-panel, 300g satin cardstock, standard spine Digipak. Clear cd tray. Cardstock made from 70 – 90% recycled board. Shrinkwrapped. Pressed and printed in the United Kingdom.
|
|
'Anon 2'
by [Anonymous]
|
|
Anon 2
by
[Anonymous]
Limited LP / Digital
03/05/2021
ANONYMOUS_//ARTISTS
ANON2_//TITLE
PAST_INSIDE_THE_PRESENT_//LABEL
PITP-V035_//CAT. NO.
MARCH_5_2021_//DATE
RAFAEL_ANTON_IRISARRI_//MASTER
GGR_CLEVELAND_US_//PRESSED
WMM_CLEVELAND_US_//LACQUER
300_//EDITION
PITP_US_//SOURCE
--
Two artists that have previously released works on Past Inside the Present come together for this anonymous split album.
With this record we want listeners to go in blind, without ego or expectation, with the sole focus on what truly matters: the music. The artists and titles will remain anonymous until the vinyl sells out and then we will reveal all.
Tracks 1-3 written and produced by ____________
Tracks 4-8 written and produced by ____________
Mastered at Black Knoll Studio (NY) by Rafael Anton Irisarri
Design, layout and assemblage by zakè
--
© Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V035 MMXXI
PITP.bandcamp.com
pastinsidethepresent.com
by
[Anonymous]
Limited LP / Digital
03/05/2021
ANONYMOUS_//ARTISTS
ANON2_//TITLE
PAST_INSIDE_THE_PRESENT_//LABEL
PITP-V035_//CAT. NO.
MARCH_5_2021_//DATE
RAFAEL_ANTON_IRISARRI_//MASTER
GGR_CLEVELAND_US_//PRESSED
WMM_CLEVELAND_US_//LACQUER
300_//EDITION
PITP_US_//SOURCE
--
Two artists that have previously released works on Past Inside the Present come together for this anonymous split album.
With this record we want listeners to go in blind, without ego or expectation, with the sole focus on what truly matters: the music. The artists and titles will remain anonymous until the vinyl sells out and then we will reveal all.
Tracks 1-3 written and produced by ____________
Tracks 4-8 written and produced by ____________
Mastered at Black Knoll Studio (NY) by Rafael Anton Irisarri
Design, layout and assemblage by zakè
--
© Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V035 MMXXI
PITP.bandcamp.com
pastinsidethepresent.com
|
|
'The Other Side of Darkness'
by 36 & awakened souls
|
|
The Other Side Of Darkness
by
36 & awakened souls
2xLP / 2xCD / 3xDigital Album
02/15/2021
‘The Other Side of Darkness’ is a collaborative album from 36 and awakened souls. The project began with James (awakened souls) sending Dennis (36) a few bass loops he made and quickly evolved into a collaborative project with Cynthia (awakened souls) as well. TOSOD is a contemplation on how holding space for hard emotions is ultimately what leads us towards the light. Amongst a year filled with uncertainty and a landscape none of us have ever lived in, the lyrics and feelings captured in the songs act as mantras reminding us of our common humanity. All of the songs on the album were written in the Summer of 2020.
In addition to the main album, the artists also wrote their own accompanying versions of the entire The Other Side of Darkness album, essentially turning the main album into three unique interpretations. All tracks are collected into one extended long-play for the digital version.
The 'After Dark" versions by 36 revisions The Other Side of Darkness into a rain-drenched neo-noir, reflecting on the bleak backdrop of a difficult year. It is a highly emotional, deeply personal work, which was written to be played continuously from beginning to end.
The ‘Other’ versions by awakened souls uncover the numerous sides of Gemini husband/wife duo, James and Cynthia. Ranging from deep drone, dub and acid to compositional ambient and shoegaze, this album traverses many moods. James revives his late 90’s electronic moniker, Influx for two dance-floor focused versions while Cynthia debuts her solo project, 'marine eyes' for three lush and emotionally raw versions.
--
“Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.” -Brene Brown
--
36 & awakened souls are:
James Bernard - Bass Guitar, Rhodes
Cynthia Bernard - Vocals, Vocal Textures, Guitar
Dennis Huddleston - Synthesizers, Strings, Steinway Piano
--
All songs mixed by James Bernard and Dennis Huddleston
Written and performed by 36 & awakened souls
Mastered by Rafael Anton Irisarri
Artwork by John Hobbs
Design by 36
--
© Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V039 | MMXXI
PITP.bandcamp.com
www.pastinsidethepresent.com
by
36 & awakened souls
2xLP / 2xCD / 3xDigital Album
02/15/2021
‘The Other Side of Darkness’ is a collaborative album from 36 and awakened souls. The project began with James (awakened souls) sending Dennis (36) a few bass loops he made and quickly evolved into a collaborative project with Cynthia (awakened souls) as well. TOSOD is a contemplation on how holding space for hard emotions is ultimately what leads us towards the light. Amongst a year filled with uncertainty and a landscape none of us have ever lived in, the lyrics and feelings captured in the songs act as mantras reminding us of our common humanity. All of the songs on the album were written in the Summer of 2020.
In addition to the main album, the artists also wrote their own accompanying versions of the entire The Other Side of Darkness album, essentially turning the main album into three unique interpretations. All tracks are collected into one extended long-play for the digital version.
The 'After Dark" versions by 36 revisions The Other Side of Darkness into a rain-drenched neo-noir, reflecting on the bleak backdrop of a difficult year. It is a highly emotional, deeply personal work, which was written to be played continuously from beginning to end.
The ‘Other’ versions by awakened souls uncover the numerous sides of Gemini husband/wife duo, James and Cynthia. Ranging from deep drone, dub and acid to compositional ambient and shoegaze, this album traverses many moods. James revives his late 90’s electronic moniker, Influx for two dance-floor focused versions while Cynthia debuts her solo project, 'marine eyes' for three lush and emotionally raw versions.
--
“Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.” -Brene Brown
--
36 & awakened souls are:
James Bernard - Bass Guitar, Rhodes
Cynthia Bernard - Vocals, Vocal Textures, Guitar
Dennis Huddleston - Synthesizers, Strings, Steinway Piano
--
All songs mixed by James Bernard and Dennis Huddleston
Written and performed by 36 & awakened souls
Mastered by Rafael Anton Irisarri
Artwork by John Hobbs
Design by 36
--
© Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V039 | MMXXI
PITP.bandcamp.com
www.pastinsidethepresent.com
|
|
|
|
'Woo'd Early' by Free Dust
|
|
Woo'd Early
by
Free Dust
Limited LP / Digital
01/29/2021
For a year, in 2015, Matthew Sage (aka M. Sage) cataloged near-daily recordings made with a very narrow creative constraint; electric guitar and a few pedals, all recorded and mixed directly to cassette 4-track. Eschewing the often complex studio gadgetry and computer editing that he relies on for his primary project, Free Dust became a respite that offered room for technique to fall away and for pure expression to surface. He collected and released more than two-and-a-half hours of this material throughout the year as quarterly digital downloads; this body of work was then re-released as a double-CD in 2019 on his now-defunct label Patient Sounds.
Now, Past Inside the Present presents a new collection of Free Dust material, the first proper LP for this project. Woo’d Early is a succinct diurnal counter to the sprawling dusk-settling realms of Archive; these fluttering dawn-oriented guitar works, using the same constraints that originally defined the project, were recorded in the very early mornings of late Summer and early Fall 2019. Instead of cerebral evening ruminations, these are billowing guitar atmospheres as casual morning ponderings. Where Archive was a diaristic account of acclimating to a new life in a new city, Woo’d Early is mornings having adapted. Reveling in the constraints presented by restricted gear, Sage explores melody and texture with an inquisitive, sensitive, and casual curiosity. Not without their hiccups, complications, and delightful quirks, these mostly-docile reflections are a mottled silver sliver of the complicated peace that mornings and maturation present every day; the tender and gray midwestern sky, chalky and pale before the rustling of the day has shaken off the evening’s inky dust.
--
Written, recorded and produced by Matthew Sage
Recorded in Chicago, Illinois in 2019
Mastered at Schwebung Mastering (Germany) by Stephan Mathieu
Photography, design and assemblage by Matthew Sage
Created using electric guitar, electronics and magnetic tape design
--
© Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V013 | MMXXI
PITP.bandcamp.com
www.pastinsidethepresent.com
by
Free Dust
Limited LP / Digital
01/29/2021
For a year, in 2015, Matthew Sage (aka M. Sage) cataloged near-daily recordings made with a very narrow creative constraint; electric guitar and a few pedals, all recorded and mixed directly to cassette 4-track. Eschewing the often complex studio gadgetry and computer editing that he relies on for his primary project, Free Dust became a respite that offered room for technique to fall away and for pure expression to surface. He collected and released more than two-and-a-half hours of this material throughout the year as quarterly digital downloads; this body of work was then re-released as a double-CD in 2019 on his now-defunct label Patient Sounds.
Now, Past Inside the Present presents a new collection of Free Dust material, the first proper LP for this project. Woo’d Early is a succinct diurnal counter to the sprawling dusk-settling realms of Archive; these fluttering dawn-oriented guitar works, using the same constraints that originally defined the project, were recorded in the very early mornings of late Summer and early Fall 2019. Instead of cerebral evening ruminations, these are billowing guitar atmospheres as casual morning ponderings. Where Archive was a diaristic account of acclimating to a new life in a new city, Woo’d Early is mornings having adapted. Reveling in the constraints presented by restricted gear, Sage explores melody and texture with an inquisitive, sensitive, and casual curiosity. Not without their hiccups, complications, and delightful quirks, these mostly-docile reflections are a mottled silver sliver of the complicated peace that mornings and maturation present every day; the tender and gray midwestern sky, chalky and pale before the rustling of the day has shaken off the evening’s inky dust.
--
Written, recorded and produced by Matthew Sage
Recorded in Chicago, Illinois in 2019
Mastered at Schwebung Mastering (Germany) by Stephan Mathieu
Photography, design and assemblage by Matthew Sage
Created using electric guitar, electronics and magnetic tape design
--
© Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V013 | MMXXI
PITP.bandcamp.com
www.pastinsidethepresent.com
|
|
'Process' by Tobias Karlehag
|
|
Process
by
Tobias Karlehag
Limited LP / Digital
01/15/2021
Tobias Karlehag is a multi-instrumentalist and sound artist from Gothenburg, Sweden. With his solo project he creates spacious ambient and drone music through algorithmic compositions and improvisation. In his debut album 'Process' he shapes a still and meditative state with modular synths, electric guitar and various electronics with underlying narratives. The music is the result of a shift where the inspiration for his work comes, partially from field recordings, chance and his own reflections on flow and break-up.
--
Artistic idea, composition, recording and mixing by Tobias Karlehag
Mastering by Linus Andersson
Photography by Anton Alvin
Graphic design by Julius åsling
This release is possible through funding by KulturRadet
Vinyl pressed at Spinroad Vinyl, Gothenburg, Sweden
--
© Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V029 | MMXXI
PITP.bandcamp.com
www.pastinsidethepresent.com
by
Tobias Karlehag
Limited LP / Digital
01/15/2021
Tobias Karlehag is a multi-instrumentalist and sound artist from Gothenburg, Sweden. With his solo project he creates spacious ambient and drone music through algorithmic compositions and improvisation. In his debut album 'Process' he shapes a still and meditative state with modular synths, electric guitar and various electronics with underlying narratives. The music is the result of a shift where the inspiration for his work comes, partially from field recordings, chance and his own reflections on flow and break-up.
--
Artistic idea, composition, recording and mixing by Tobias Karlehag
Mastering by Linus Andersson
Photography by Anton Alvin
Graphic design by Julius åsling
This release is possible through funding by KulturRadet
Vinyl pressed at Spinroad Vinyl, Gothenburg, Sweden
--
© Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V029 | MMXXI
PITP.bandcamp.com
www.pastinsidethepresent.com
'Repetition Hymns' by Black Swan
|
|
|
|
Repetition Hymns
by
Black Swan
2xLP + Lithograph / Digital
01/08/2021
Past Inside The Present is pleased to announce Repetition Hymns, a double album from the enigmatic Black Swan. Comprised of 19 vignettes, the relatively short tracks impart a strong forward momentum despite the 80-minute runtime. Repetition Hymns is thus particularly well-suited to the temporal distortion of quarantine, in which each day feels like an endless repeating loop. Our bleeding hearts are in need of drone like never before.
In the decade since the release of In 8 Movements, Black Swan’s 2010 debut, the anonymous producer has built a reputation for his unique brand of tape-based symphonic drones. While the author behind the moniker remains hidden, Black Swan is still able to surprise and captivate. The dark symphonic deconstructions of those early works have slowly evolved, making space for lighter textures and tranquil meditations on sound, expanding the palette of tones while staying true to an identity in flux.
A common complaint made of drone music is that it is too unchanging, but repetition is also a form of change. So much of contemporary pop music relies on strophic forms built upon inhumanely perfect MIDI loops, repeating the same song structures and melodies. Black Swan gravitates instead towards the imperfections of tape loops, not as a nostalgic fetish but a source of artistic experimentation.
Repetition Hymns is composed of layers of handmade tape loops of varying lengths and pitches manipulated on multiple multitrack recorders. There is a raw quality to this method that conveys a looseness, and a freedom, unlike any of Black Swan’s prior work. The repetition of a loop alters its perception, drawing attention to subtle textural modulation and events resulting from interaction with other loops, before moving onto the next micro-composition. The short track times discourage stasis while allowing for larger scales of interplay throughout the album as a whole. Versions echo throughout, creating cycles within cycles, as reprised motifs disorient the listener’s sense of time.
Sweeping sustained string crescendos can’t help but evoke cinematic metaphors, but any sense of narrative remains abstract. Like a sonic equivalent of the blurred and streaked canvases of Gerhardt Richter’s abstract paintings, Black Swan’s music isolates fine detail to be drawn out over time. Slowness becomes an act of resistance, obliging the listener to live fully in the present. Music is especially well-suited to exploring the malleability of time, and Repetition Hymns is slow music for slow times.
--
Written and produced by Black Swan
Mastered at Schwebung Mastering (Germany) by Stephan Mathieu
Design, layout and assemblage by Black Swan
--
© Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V034 | MMXXI
PITP.bandcamp.com
www.pastinsidethepresent.com
by
Black Swan
2xLP + Lithograph / Digital
01/08/2021
Past Inside The Present is pleased to announce Repetition Hymns, a double album from the enigmatic Black Swan. Comprised of 19 vignettes, the relatively short tracks impart a strong forward momentum despite the 80-minute runtime. Repetition Hymns is thus particularly well-suited to the temporal distortion of quarantine, in which each day feels like an endless repeating loop. Our bleeding hearts are in need of drone like never before.
In the decade since the release of In 8 Movements, Black Swan’s 2010 debut, the anonymous producer has built a reputation for his unique brand of tape-based symphonic drones. While the author behind the moniker remains hidden, Black Swan is still able to surprise and captivate. The dark symphonic deconstructions of those early works have slowly evolved, making space for lighter textures and tranquil meditations on sound, expanding the palette of tones while staying true to an identity in flux.
A common complaint made of drone music is that it is too unchanging, but repetition is also a form of change. So much of contemporary pop music relies on strophic forms built upon inhumanely perfect MIDI loops, repeating the same song structures and melodies. Black Swan gravitates instead towards the imperfections of tape loops, not as a nostalgic fetish but a source of artistic experimentation.
Repetition Hymns is composed of layers of handmade tape loops of varying lengths and pitches manipulated on multiple multitrack recorders. There is a raw quality to this method that conveys a looseness, and a freedom, unlike any of Black Swan’s prior work. The repetition of a loop alters its perception, drawing attention to subtle textural modulation and events resulting from interaction with other loops, before moving onto the next micro-composition. The short track times discourage stasis while allowing for larger scales of interplay throughout the album as a whole. Versions echo throughout, creating cycles within cycles, as reprised motifs disorient the listener’s sense of time.
Sweeping sustained string crescendos can’t help but evoke cinematic metaphors, but any sense of narrative remains abstract. Like a sonic equivalent of the blurred and streaked canvases of Gerhardt Richter’s abstract paintings, Black Swan’s music isolates fine detail to be drawn out over time. Slowness becomes an act of resistance, obliging the listener to live fully in the present. Music is especially well-suited to exploring the malleability of time, and Repetition Hymns is slow music for slow times.
--
Written and produced by Black Swan
Mastered at Schwebung Mastering (Germany) by Stephan Mathieu
Design, layout and assemblage by Black Swan
--
© Past Inside the Present
This is PITP-V034 | MMXXI
PITP.bandcamp.com
www.pastinsidethepresent.com
|
|
