Unveiling “The Tumbling Psychic Joy of Now”: A Collaborative Masterpiece by Holy Tongue & Shackleton
#shackleton #vinyl #indiemusic
In a remarkable fusion of spiritual energy and hypnotic rhythms, the collaborative album The Tumbling Psychic Joy of Now brings together the dynamic trio Holy Tongue and the enigmatic electronic producer Shackleton. This unique project emerged from a shared festival lineup in Sweden, where the synergy between these artists sparked a creative journey that transcended the initial idea of a remix, evolving into an entirely new musical venture. The album stands as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration, blending psychedelic dub, free-form jazz, and ritualistic soundscapes into a deeply immersive auditory experience.
Holy Tongue, consisting of Valentina Magaletti, Al Wootton, and Susumu Mukai, have already made their mark on the music world with their critically acclaimed EP trilogy and debut album Deliverance and Spiritual Warfare. Their sound draws inspiration from the experimental dub of On-U-Sound and the frenetic rhythms of post-punk pioneers like 23 Skidoo and ESG, while also channeling the spiritual intensity of free jazz. The trio’s collaboration with Shackleton, a key figure in the evolution of dubstep and minimal techno, adds a new dimension to their work, infusing it with the deep, brooding atmospheres and intricate rhythms that have become hallmarks of Shackleton’s sound.
Shackleton’s journey from the underground dubstep scene of the early 2000s to his current status as one of the most innovative voices in electronic music is well documented. Known for his work with the cult label Skull Disco and later ventures such as Woe to the Septic Heart!, Shackleton has consistently pushed the boundaries of electronic music, incorporating influences from African, Arabic, and Indian music, while exploring themes of inner space, apocalypse, and existential dread. His collaboration with Holy Tongue on The Tumbling Psychic Joy of Now takes these elements to new heights, creating a soundscape that oscillates between ecstasy and agony, minimalism and maximalism, the micro and the macro.
The album is a ritualistic journey, filled with raw energy and spiritual depth. Tracks like “Deliverance and Spiritual Warfare” echo the experimental dub ethos of Adrian Sherwood’s On-U-Sound, while the frenetic energy recalls the work of artists like Liquid Liquid and the rhythmic complexities of Shackleton’s previous collaborations with artists such as Pinch and Ernesto Tomasini. The result is an album that is not only a product of its creators’ distinct styles but also a cohesive and transformative piece of art that captures the tumultuous psychic energy of the present moment.
The Tumbling Psychic Joy of Now is more than just an album; it is a sonic exploration of the boundaries between the internal and the external, the spiritual and the physical, capturing the essence of what it means to be human in a world filled with uncertainty and change. This collaboration between Holy Tongue and Shackleton is a powerful reminder of the potential that lies in creative partnerships, pushing the limits of what music can convey and how it can resonate with listeners on a deeply emotional and spiritual level.
Learn more about Shackleton
