Lauge - Pusterum - Review


Perhaps better known as one half of the Danish duo Lauge and Baba Gnohm, Lauge ( Henrik Laugesen ) recently released his second solo album, Pusterum, as a self released issue on Bandcamp. 

Pusterum translates from Danish as "respite" in English which is a perfectly apt name for such a harmonious, relaxing album. When I asked Henrik about the intent behind the album he said that it was created specifically to help his girlfriend sleep. She had been suffering from Insomnia and they noticed ambient music helped her to relax and get to sleep easier.

So an entire album was crafted of beautiful ambient landscapes to help induce a restful nights sleep. What a nice thing to do ! And now we can all benefit from Henrik's endeavors too. I can certainly attest to its sleep inducing powers. Turn off the lights, put this album on and drift away, wrapped in clouds of soft ambient light .

Cover of Pusterum by Lauge

I began writing a review of individual tracks for this album but gave up towards the end as it's not that kind of album. It's a album where all the tracks combine into a single ambient journey. That is not to say there aren't any standout tracks because there are. However this is like a finely balanced work of art that is best appreciated in quiet contemplation.
Posted on 19.3.15 by PsyAmb TAG : | 0 Comments ( ADD NEW COMMENT )

Psybient Fields - PsyAmb 78

This week I thought I'd take a look at some of the psybient tunes that have been running through my headphones of late. This mix has a number of long tunes throughout so it's a good one to use as background music for creative and inspirational endeavors.

We kick off with with a track from the awesome 4 track EP by Alba titled "Dhamma Child" on Nutek Chill Records. I've been really impressed by Nutek's chill offerings of late. Recently they also released the Essentials 2 compilation which as you might guess is a collection of some of the label's best downtempo tunes to date from a variety of the labels producers. Also keep an eye out for the new Hypnotizer album "Connecting With Other Minds" due for release this week.

I am a sucker for NASA samples ! You can have your McKenna, Leary and Watts - for me I just love the sounds of reverbed astronaut vocals over psychedelic ambient music. One of the best examples of the style is our next tune - "Lift Off" by Yarn. You can find this little beauty on the "Psychotria Chill Selection" compilation of last year. Super tune - very chilled and spacey vibes - a real headtrip. 



After Yarn is Akara,  a group of many instrumentalists all held together by the programming glue of Joshua Pennman. Today's track is lifted from the fantastic "Middle Peace" charity compilation of 2014. Released through Shanti Planti, the compilation features an astounding range of talent, offering their art for the benefit of children and families within the Gaza Strip. Two thumbs up to all involved with such a great album.
Posted on 23.2.15 by PsyAmb TAG : | 1 Comments ( ADD NEW COMMENT )

Interview With Psychedelic Fashion Designer Symbolika

Symbolika is a psychedelic clothing label that has gained a loyal fanbase around the globe with their superb designs documenting the psychedelic experience. They have a full range of psychedelic t-shirts, tank tops, sweatshirts and hoodies for both men and women as well as a range of psy decor such as lampshades. I was fortunate enough to chat with store manager Yud and designer Fabian about the past, present and future of the collective.  



PA : Symbolika has been around since 2001. That's quite a long time for a label in the psychedelic fashion niche. Could you tell us about how Symbolika started, the history of the label ?
 
Symbolika : Symbolika started from visionary experiences. It started in Goa. After one of the experiences I started drawing symbols from the experience and it opened the channel to download these symbols and share them. After more experiences more symbols came and Symbolika was born with our first 10 symbols. 

PA : The name itself is interesting. Is there any meaning behind the name Symbolika ? Your designs incorporate a lot of symbolic imagery from spirituality and mind/consciousness expansion ­ is that where the idea for the name comes from ? 

Posted on 10.2.15 by PsyAmb TAG : , , , | 0 Comments ( ADD NEW COMMENT )