Author: dave
Sodium Light
Jouhatsu
A recent conversation with a friend on social media led me to a documentary on YouTube which focused on the culture which is prevalent in Japan, it followed various peoples stories;
Those who have arranged their own evaporation and those who are searching for missing loved ones, I found these accounts to be incredibly sad yet fascinating, that in this modern age of information that someone could start a completely new life without a trace.
This phenomenon of Jouhatsu resonated with me & various tracks that I composed after viewing the documentary seemed to be of a similar tone/emotion, almost reflecting what It must be like for those forced into such drastic measures to leave a life & loved ones behind, to start again and also not forgetting the turmoil & anguish of those left in the dark regarding the whereabouts of someone they care about.
The seven distinct pieces of “Jouhatsu” appear to tell a story of their own, although I was not particularly aware of this during the creative process. It was sitting down and selecting the various works that I began to realise that a coherent sonic narrative had developed.
Written, produced, recorded & mastered by Michael Gainford at the Igloo Dublin spring 2021
Yonigeya [Night Moving] 07:07
Hopelessly Searching 03:38
No One Calling 21:09
A New Day A New Life 06:40
Fukatu 18:07
Sekentai 08:04
Never Returning 10:28
Ruhleben
The connection between Dr. Atmo and Mick Chillage goes back to one of the finest ambient labels to ever grace this planet, FAX records. Many will remember the defining collective for their deep, extended excursions into the far-reaches of ambient mysticism – a style that is still revered to this day.
Ruhleben sees a welcome return for Dr. Atmo who, after appearing on some of the very first FAX releases under his own name and different guises throughout its tenure, has been somewhat elusive of late with side-steps into other genres. Now, partnering with another FAX alumni and a foundational figure within today’s ambient music genre, Mick Chillage, the pair have returned to their roots and a defining style of ambient music.
Taking Dr. Atmo’s distinctive hooks, haunting loops, and graceful melodies, Mick Chillage improvised on these foundational elements further with fine-tuned details such as delicate bass additions, rhythmic looping signals, or more organic fixtures like a finely woven Harp and extended Piano loops.
Across its four extended tracks, Ruhleben is an infinite flight into mystical formations that yearn for dramatic soundscapes. A time-lapsed, slow-motion soundtrack, where Mother Nature breathes destructive fire from the depths, breaking the Earth’s surface to form dramatic cathedrals, scarred by super-natural atmospheres and eventually flooded with the life we know today.
Featuring artwork by Tomas Jirku and mastered by Rafael Anton Irisarri, Ruhleben will be available on limited Gatefold Transparent with Black Core 2LP, CD, and digital formats.
Ruhleben
The connection between Dr. Atmo and Mick Chillage goes back to one of the finest ambient labels to ever grace this planet, FAX records. Many will remember the defining collective for their deep, extended excursions into the far-reaches of ambient mysticism – a style that is still revered to this day.
Ruhleben sees a welcome return for Dr. Atmo who, after appearing on some of the very first FAX releases under his own name and different guises throughout its tenure, has been somewhat elusive of late with side-steps into other genres. Now, partnering with another FAX alumni and a foundational figure within today’s ambient music genre, Mick Chillage, the pair have returned to their roots and a defining style of ambient music.
Taking Dr. Atmo’s distinctive hooks, haunting loops, and graceful melodies, Mick Chillage improvised on these foundational elements further with fine-tuned details such as delicate bass additions, rhythmic looping signals, or more organic fixtures like a finely woven Harp and extended Piano loops.
Across its four extended tracks, Ruhleben is an infinite flight into mystical formations that yearn for dramatic soundscapes. A time-lapsed, slow-motion soundtrack, where Mother Nature breathes destructive fire from the depths, breaking the Earth’s surface to form dramatic cathedrals, scarred by super-natural atmospheres and eventually flooded with the life we know today.
Featuring artwork by Tomas Jirku and mastered by Rafael Anton Irisarri, Ruhleben will be available on limited Gatefold Transparent with Black Core 2LP, CD, and digital formats.
Volume 1
Biokinetics
MS-V-MS
“MS-V-MS” sees Mick exploring a tapestry of spaced out Acidic synth lines, haunting Ambient tones that shift & morph into passages of dark ominous analogue swells & Intricate poly rhythms with a driving industrial presence. Resulting in a flowing marriage of IDM intensity & otherworldly ambience.
The title track started out using just two analogue mono synths The Korg MS20 Mini & the Doepfer MS-404 hence the title. Other synths & various production techniques were used to complete the piece.
Written, produced, recorded & mastered by Michael Gainford
at the Igloo Dublin 2020/2021
2. Otkyo 06:00
3. Skylines 9:36
Silfra Diving
Mastered by Árni Grétar
Artwork by Studio Chaotyczne
Fireflies in Gondwanaland
Composed, performed, and mastered by Boris Lelong
Acoustic instruments : Futujara flute and Danmoi jaw harp.
Atmospheres recorded by Boris Lelong in Ladakh (INDIA), Isandra (MADAGASCAR), and Morija (LESOTHO).

