Modular Synthesis

Tonto’s Expanding Head Band – Zero Time

Zero Time is an exploratory, psychedelic synth odyssey, created entirely on an expanded Series III Moog, aka T.O.N.T.O. (The Original New Timbral Orchestra). The designers and operators of this powerful, polyphonic synthesizer are Robert Margouleff and synthesist-guru Malcolm Cecil (who may be better known for programming synths on legendary albums by Stevie Wonder and Gil-Scott Heron, in addition to his celestial ambient work). The intricately layered results here feel like a synthetic wilderness, with a wide variety of colors and textures that sound warm, organic, and alive.

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James Holden & the Animal Spirits – The Animal Spirits

These communal sound rituals express a digital-era longing to reconnect to the Earth. The grooves here are circular and ceremonial, not rooted to any specific musical traditions but borrowing from many, including cosmic jazz, kosmische musik and undoubtedly inspired by Holden’s collaboration with legendary Gnawa musician Maleem Mahmoud Ghania. Drums and percussion ground the proceedings while muscular sequencer and fiery saxophone arpeggiations hypnotically intertwine.  The sounds of fluttering recorder and modular synthesizer swirl through the air like offerings to the cosmos. 

Recommended for fans of The Comet is Coming, Tonto’s Exploding Head Band, Maleem Mahmoud Ghania & Pharoah Sander’s Trance of Seven Colors, Natural Information Society, Colin Stetson

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Tangerine Dream – Phaedra

While some of their earlier music explored the empty vastness of space, the music on Phaedra seem to discover a swampy alien planet, Pulsing sequencers, dramatic mellotrons, airy flutes, and sweeping synthesizers are drenched in strange echoes and reverbs to create suspenseful alien soundscapes.

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