Ħal Saflieni

Petrified sound bodies and twisted instruments. Some of the titles came about in dreams. This is a study of the physical and transcendental properties of stone as a compositional material. The processed textures, added to the vocals and electronic layers, unleash the mineral 'soul' of 5000 year old rocks and spirits. As I wandered and explored the ritual uses of stone, I came across the Summstein, a hollowed-out stone intended to create psycho-active auditory effects when one puts one's head inside and hums. Humming (drone) stones are the remains of ancient cults in various parts of the world, including Brittany. The most striking one can be found in the Ħal Saflieni troglodyte temple and burial complex in Malta, which inspired the narrative of this album. With its Neolithic sculpture, the Sleeping Lady, its ochre spiral ornaments and the unique resonances of its Oracle Room, the Maltese Hypogeum triggers a deep image of the distant past in a trance-like state. A journey from stardust to the womb of the Earth. Composition and mixing: Ocean Viva Silver Mastering: Nicolas Charbonnier/Tsuku Boshi Digital release: Laurent Guerel/Tsuku Boshi Tracks 1 to 6 composed at Watt Studios throughout 2022 Track 7 composed during a residency at GRM Studios, commissioned by Anne Montaron for Creation Mondiale on France Musique in 2021