aSpiritual, from offthesky (Jason Corder) and Rin Howell (Psychic Secretary, Luxury Hearse), is comprised of four meditations, which are described as ‘reflections on spirituality, energy, and change’. Singer and oboist Howell and experimental sound artist offthesky both call Denver, Colorado, home. But their real home is located in an entirely different dimension, invisible to the eyes but still having the power of ultimate expression, and undeniably existing in our shared physical reality, and that home lies within their music. What one finds in aSpiritual is mystical music, introspective notes rising up like smoke, able to bewitch listeners with its casting of seductive spells, some kind of magic existing and exiting through the music.
The voice is the medium through which all other sounds pass; it’s the primary sound, and without it, the music would feel faint and unable to reach its true potential. Lyrical interpretations are left up to the listener, with an open-ended nature inclining towards the infinite in its possibilities, and making the music feel entirely subjective.
Recording began way back in 2018, but it’s only now, in 2021, that its fruit has ripened. In the intervening years, it gestated, growing in the womb, lying in a cocoon of darkness, waiting for the right time to emerge. Completed in 2020, the cycle is now complete. These incantations are spiritual in nature, evoking something ancient and yet something eternal, without the expiration date of age. aSpiritual fulfils all that it was made for, deepening the age-old connection between music and spirituality.
credits
released August 3, 2021
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Music: offthesky & Rin Howell
Mastering: offthesky / Ian Hawgood
Print design: Craig Tattersall
Packaging design: Daniel Crossley
In Bokeh, Wil Bolton patiently crafted six tracks, where processed field recordings and reverberated synthesizers melodies are carefully balanced.
Chimes, bar-like talks, distant traffic or whispers from the wind frame the story of this release in a very small location. We are only one step away from saying that the artist takes us in his privacy with Bokeh ; and I'll go for it.
Very personal and sensitive, this album takes place behind the closed doors of Bolton's near environment.
Lovely. Dotflac
I don't love this album (or even like it). The first track is a tedious drone that sounds scratchy and very amateurish (and is boring, to boot). I got really annoyed after the second cut and stopped the play. Pat-from-ID
The 17 mindbending songs on this compilation represent minimalist experimental music at its best, a collage of blips and static. Bandcamp New & Notable Dec 3, 2022
New Minerals craft a chilling darkambient/drone score to a haunting children’s book, evoking a thrilling sense of dread. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 30, 2026
Purportedly the recordings of a disgraced experimental psychologist (you decide), “Jumand” sets spoken word to eerie synths. Bandcamp New & Notable Sep 2, 2023
Warm and evocative, brimming with memory and emotion. Each track is beautifully layered and floats like a soft, warm breeze.
It helped me navigate a challenging end of year into 2024! Thank you! PadraigC