This release forms part of an effort to share some of the more rapid creations that I have put together. For me the creative process is intense, but also often slow moving, and there are regularly elements that are left aside as the larger scale orchestrated works come together. These scraps are often sit so tightly in their own sound world that I did not feel the need or scope to expand them further. This EP is the combination of two such works, that despite being create a couple of years apart have a strong complimentary resonance.
Cataracts, both in nature and in our bodies, present a unique dichotomy. They can be seen as an obstruction, a barrier to the smooth flow of life, causing difficulty and challenge. Yet, they also offer a new perspective, a different way of seeing the world, and an opportunity for growth and adaptation.
In rivers, cataracts create a tumultuous and unpredictable flow of water, carving out new paths and shaping the landscape in ways that would not have been possible without them. They also serve as natural barriers, creating distinct ecosystems and habitats that flourish.
Similarly, in our bodies, cataracts may hinder our physical vision, but they can also lead us to turn our inner vision inwards. As we struggle to see the external world, we may begin to rely more on our memories, our intuition, and our prophetic abilities. This shift can offer a powerful reminder of the importance of our inner world, and the vital role it plays in our perception of reality.
Through this process, we may also discover a new appreciation for the subtle nuances of the world around us, and a deeper connection to the spiritual realm. As we rely less on our physical sight, we may begin to see with new eyes, perceiving hidden patterns and connections that were previously invisible.
Ultimately, cataracts remind us that our perception of the world is not solely dependent on our physical senses, but on the complex interplay of memory, intuition, and prophecy. By embracing this multifaceted way of seeing, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us, and discover new paths forward in our lives.
This concept of seeing the world through dirtied lenses is reflected in my new EP, 'Cataracts', featuring two ambient synth tracks that explore the theme of obstruction and new perspectives. The first track, 'Jabal', takes inspiration from the rugged mountains and deserts of Sinai and Jordan, and from the cataracts of the Nile, where life thrives at the margins of the possible. The music reflects the fractal dance of life and the intricate patterns that emerge in the midst of struggle and challenge.
The second track, 'As Above, As Below', takes its title from an ancient esoteric concept that reminds us of the interconnectedness of all things. The music explores the idea of breaking through barriers and discovering new perspectives, as the dense sonic ostinato ruptures into rough breakers like the cataracts of a river.
Both tracks offer a meditative and introspective journey, inviting listeners to embrace the challenges and obstructions in their own lives, and discover new ways of seeing the world.
credits
released March 2, 2023
All tracks composed and performed by Nujumi (Daniel Merrill)
Islam Chipsy - a totally unique voice in the world of Egyptian popular music (as in actually popular, even largely ignored by the Egyptian press). Nujumi
The chilled product of a snowed-in weekend in the Swiss Alps, the debut EP from this ambient duo is a winter wonderland in and of itself. Bandcamp New & Notable Dec 6, 2018