Reviews

Monolith Cocktail -

The Incredible String Band makes merry with Julian Cope; Steve Hillage joins Ash Ra Tempel; and Affenstunde period Popol Vuh invokes ghostly parallel histories with Xqui and Quimper on a tour of Ley lines. Atmospheres and scenes from a long history of settlement, of the spiritual, envelope the listener on a most subtle but rich field recording trip.

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3rd Eye Psych -

As always, Fred of Empty House has made a fascinating record with Bluestone, which is good for fans of Popol Vuh and other weird, experimental instrumental music. Whether you’re couch-surfing or taking a walk outside, Bluestone is a perfect companion for mind-expanding journeys. Enjoy!


See the crap video 'Old Ways' at the link below
www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6d9A6gT1ps

Bluestone was written and recorded after a 3 day trip around the Pembroke-shire coastline in November 2023. It is the lunar sister to the brighter sounding ‘The Golden Hour’ that was recorded during spring summer of 2023 but only released in February 2024.

The bluestone of the title refers to the stones that come from the Preseli Hills and in particular, the burial chamber Pentre Ifan , a magnificent Cromlech that inspired the recording of the album. A place of enlightenment for me, when, on a beautiful sunny winter morning in November, I finally had chance to touch the stones and feel their formidable energy

Bluestone was recorded very quickly during December 2023 using the Irish Bouzouki as the main instrument. Added to this were huge swathes of feedback, organ, piano and e-bow. Nick Raybould added djmebe to the track Fires At Midnight.

The sound has a rustic feel to it and there are lots of glitches, cut outs, buzz noises that are intentional. To me they add further mystery of the album.

Written and recorded by Fred Laird