We are now a few weeks into 2025. There is snow outside and minus 10 degrees makes me shiver. I'm just not made for winter and I'm already dreaming the tropical dream again. Even though I like to admit that there is something magical about winter landscapes. But also from inside, with a look back.
A few wonderful releases didn't make 2024 a wonderful year that took a lot of getting used to, but at least these releases enabled a certain conciliatory view of things.
In the last few days of the year, Abstrakce released this wonderful release by Vladimir Karpov, who I certainly don't admire. On 2 vinyl sides, accompanied by a 90-minute mixtape with some unreleased material, Vladimir continues to work on his ambient visions, which always fit me very well, but also right now, at this moment.
“middle of nowhere” was once a track on the compilation LP “Miracle Steps - music from the fourth world 1983-2017), a kind of class reunion with artists like Jon Hassel, O Yuki Conjugate, Jorge Reyes, Jon Keliehor, David Cunningham, Susann Deyhim/Richard Horowitz, Ariel Kalma and so on. I don't think anyone had anything against Vladimir Karpov aka X.Y.R. to join this illustrious group. At this point he had already released some fantastic releases.
Well, the journey has long since continued and more highlights have appeared since then.
Abstrakce are now releasing this visual gem, released in the last days of 2024.
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Peaceful electronic ambient and tribal echo environments. Music that explores feelings of calm, spirituality, and ceremony. Long-form voyages to temple meditations, “trips in search of something,” looking in as looking out.
The artist himself says: “This is an attempt to look into the heads and souls of "unnecessary" people, inconspicuous people, but striving to make the world a better place. People who have lost the horizon and the outlines of reality are desperate and stuck in the middle of nothing... people who cannot accept the rules of this world and unpleasant aspects of daily life, boring and unfair into unreality, other existence... it's all about escapism, rethinking their inner world, and discovering new facets of the soul.”
"Soft brushes of undefinable sounds and tropical field recordings that almost create ASMR-inducing vibrations in the minds of the listener" - Simon Eliasson
X.Y.R.'s latest offering delves into the depths of human experience, exploring themes of escapism, introspection and the search for meaning in a world that often feels chaotic and unfair. The album opens with the expansive 'Lost Horizon', setting the tone for a journey into introspective soundscapes and contemplative melodies. 'Melting Shapes' continues the exploration of inner worlds, with its shifting textures and ethereal sounds evoking a sense of fluidity and transformation. 'Despair' confronts the darker side of the human psyche, its melancholic melodies and haunting sounds reflecting the struggles of those who feel lost and disconnected. The B-side features the epic 'Invisible Lifeforms', a twenty-minute odyssey that delves into the hidden realms of consciousness. With its blend of ambient textures, tribal rhythms and meditative sounds, it creates a truly immersive experience that invites deep listening and introspection. X.Y.R.'s music is both calming and unsettling, offering a sonic reflection on the complexities of human existence.
-Juno-
Middle Of Nowhere Mixtape:
Super Expanded edition, including extra unreleased tracks for a continuous 90 minute mixtape trip. Packed on an embossed cardboard box. Only 50 copies.
Written, Produced and Recorded by Vladimir Karpov using Formanta-mini and Korg M1, pedal effects, Boss RC-20, Roland TR-626, mic and field recordings.
Mastered by Jose Guerrero at Plataforma Continental.
Graphic design by Democracia.
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