王阳明 – 泰 [EP]

Recommendation: ☀☁☁


1 is the first of two extended-plays released in June 2016 by German musician 王阳明,2 a scholar of sinology and philosophy whose works seek to describe the Chinese Book of Changes – to the extent that such a text may be understood in music, much less a lifetime of study.3. In contrast to previous releases that utilized heavy reverb, low pitch-delay, and extreme tempo shifts, takes a somewhat organic approach to its music: tracks one, two, and four feature little-edited acoustic instrumentation as the prominent lead, a first for this artist. As per its name, it’s quite peaceful, and cavernous without the eeriness that such a word may imply. Those interested in the all-ambient leaning of 小畜履 or the vaporgoth of 屯蒙 will find neither here, but it’s not disappointing; just another facet of a producer looking to explore the deepest elements of Chinese philosophy through an equally nebulous genre of music.

[Editor’s note: Thank you to the artist for helping with the title’s translations.]

 

Tracklist


1. 初九 – (2:03)4
2. 九二 – (2:09)5
3. 九三 – (2:12)6
4. 六四 – (1:40)7
5. 六五 – (1:12)8
6. 上六 – (1:56)9


 

1Chinese translation: “safe,” “calm,” or “peaceful”
2Chinese translation: “Wang Yangming,” a Chinese philosopher
3Curious? Check out Sunbleach‘s interview with Markus here.
4Chinese translation: “Nine on the bottom line”
5Chinese translation: “Nine on the second line”
6Chinese translation: “Nine on the third line”
7Chinese translation: “Six on the fourth line”
8Chinese translation: “Six on the fifth line”
9Chinese translation: “Six on the topmost line”

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