Month: February 2020

Fresh from the mind of the Shamane is this brand new long player that’s gonna make you thirsty for more, as you should! Cry5sal 1it3 is glimmering brilliant madness, pickled and distilled in the roasting 2020 sun – allow yourself to rest back and soak it in…

The Popular Culture Shamane, for those unfamiliar, is an abstract multimedia artist who has manifested a vibrant world around themself. Pushing artistic limits of electronic music, glitch art and even poetry – Shamane is the quintessential digital age renaissance figure. A brief cruise of the website reveals a universe of exploration, allowing the Shamane to assault each and every one of your senses.

Now that we’re caught up, back to cry5sal 1it3! This latest full-length album finds the Shamane exploring into the stratospheres of sound. Weaving together the ever-unique vocals with synthscapes that are as melodic as they are dissonant. The free-form of the compositions are satisfying and natural, with the tracks finding footing in addicting riffs, proceeding to exploit and explore the surrounding area. At 23 tracks, it’s a healthy stack and a substantial sonic journey.

There is of course an element of humor to the Shamane’s work, showing its head in silly song titles that really speak to the artists poetic nature. You don’t need to read the included 30-page rhyme book to tell, but it certainly helps with the immersion! It’s actually this emotional element to the Shamane’s work that draws me so close, there is both a humor and a sadness to be found. When listening and paying closer attention, you begin to reveal layers of nihilism and melancholy, the stressed and depressed energy of the digital age. Then, on a dime, a flourish of hope and ecstasy – perhaps a smile or a laugh, right around the corner.

Cry5tal 1it3 offers some very subtle and thoughtful pieces. Some personal highlights such as “every allegory needs a bear” and “i’ll cook an 8 course dinner for a horse” open up brilliantly after repeat listens. Headphones encouraged for this puppy. Also if you have a puppy on your lap it couldn’t hurt!

Anyway, you either get it or ya don’t, people! It’s an acquired taste but boy howdy is it delicious. I really encourage you all to cleanse the palette and dive in – give a listen, a watch, a read – however you want to consume – and perhaps the world will grab you like it did me…

Cry5tal 1it3 is available now both Digitally and on Cassette Tape via Virtual Dream Plaza