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Exedra — Electronic Neo Age Mystery
((Not on label) no#, 2023, DL)

by Henry Schneider, Published 2023-10-28

Electronic Neo Age Mystery Cover art

When a writer in Greece reviewed the massive 2020 Fruits de Mer 4CD compilation Head in the Clouds and heard Exedra’s contribution “Exoplanet Transit,” he described the music as “electronic neo age mystery,” which Darrall Knight (AKA Exedra) liked so much that he used that phrase as the title of his new album. An intriguing description and now an album titile, but I am not exactly sure what it means. Be that as it may, there is a steady progression with each new Exedra album. The music is soothing and meditative, sometimes bordering on the cinematic, running the gamut from melodic ambient, dark ambient, world music, song, spoken word, to imaginary soundtracks. As a departure from previous releases, Darrall includes a cover of the John Foxx penned Ultravox song “Dangerous Rhythm.” If you are familiar with the original reggae-influenced tune, you will not recognize this cover. Exedra has turned this song into a slow sonic watercolor painting with dreamy vocals by Maggie K De Monde, who sounds a bit like Annie Lennox. This imaginative reworking of the song sounds like it could have been used by David Lynch for Twin Peaks. “The New Prayer” is another departure, with Maggie’s disembodied voice reciting her poetry, evoking images of a space angel and energy beyond our understanding. Another interesting track is “Via Dolorosa,” the painful processional route that Jesus took carrying his cross on the way to Calvary. The mournful music with its steady beat captures Jesus’ trudging and suffering leading up to his crucifixion. Electronic Neo Age Mystery is far more than just your typical New Age album. This is excellent music that engages you from the first note to the last.

Filed under: New releases, 2023 releases

Related artist(s): Exedra

More info
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E6Eens7wZw

 

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