Sunday, 9 March 2025

56. Jon Hopkins: Ritual



Released:
30 Aug 2024

Chosen by: Stu

Comments - 

Paul: This type of recording will always start on the backfoot with me. I don't listen to music through headphones and I don't use music to relax. Not that this is relaxing. It puts me on edge as I wait for something to happen that might surprise me, catch me off guard.

But nothing happens. Certainly not anything of note. Maybe the pitch of the drone changes slightly, maybe the speed of a background throb might have imperceptibly changed but even if it has does it matter? Perhaps it would make sense as a suspense film soundtrack. The last track at least has some sort of tune so I feel rewarded for making it to the end. I won't be doing it twice.

Dean: Interesting choice Stu. I can't say that it wasn't stimulating. It has a brevity and contacts on a level worthy of endurance and perseverance. I'm not at that point where I can appreciate it's relevance but I found it interesting. I'm going to give it another listen. His name is familiar to me.

Ben: Ive listened to it a few times. Most of the time the minimalist approach had me searching for variations like trying to appreciate a small meal - ooh thats an interesting pea, and a juicy prawn etc. There are a couple of occasions where the crescendoes were so intense that it was a relief when they stopped. Apart from that I quite enjoyed the bassy sounds. Overall though I fear the album was little more than an interesting diversion.

Stu: I’m a huge fan of Jon Hopkins ❤️❤️

I have his last 6 LPS and he’s a musical chameleon 😎😎 I love his ability to move between different genres and keep me engaged

This particular LP is very special to me. I’ve used it to go to sleep and to relax in the evenings. A condition of mine is a hot wired brain that is free wheeling constantly.

This soothes me greatly

This LP starts off with a singular drone and throughout the record it builds at a very subtle level, adding additional sounds very softly. My favourite is the chime that starts about a minute in, drops in and out and then drives the next sequence. It then adds lots of levels whilst never reaching a true crescendo. I love the ending with the deep drops. As a huge fan of headphones this really does deliver. I guess you guys won’t listen to this LP agaim but I would recommend IMMUNITY & SINGULARITY 🌟

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