press release - Mood Bells

Leaving aside his recent plans for chart pop domination, Cylob takes a long step sideways with his new long-player. Inspired by a recent trip to the far east, Mood Bells is a collection of 17 tracks, comprised of chimes, gongs and bells, with just the faintest hint of digital production. This release sits between the Zen Jazz of Tony Scott, the 70s ambient experiments of artists like Brian Eno and New Age meditative music, perfect for the early hours. (John P) Cylobs thoughts on the album: Mood Bells was started after a two-week trip to Japan, where I got to check out a few temples, gardens and mountains. There is a chilled out feeling to some of those places that seems unique and it inspired me. This album is my idea of a Japanese traditional music that doesn't exist, based around bell and gong-type sounds. The music is intended for contemplation and relaxation, and to be listened to in one sitting, perhaps accompanied by a cup of green tea. I wanted the album to have a very natural atmosphere, even though the processes of its production were very unnatural. However, There is no artificial reverb used, and hardly any other effects, which I think gives the music a very intimate flavour. Initially I was going to list the sound sources used on the album sleeve notes, but the music is a figment of my imagination, and I didn't want anything to ruin this "illusion". Some things are recognisable though, such as the vibraphone and the tam tam gong at the beginning of the album. Mood Bells was quite expensive for me to make: I estimate that with all the instruments I either bought or hired, and other equipment I needed, this album cost £900, which for me is big budget.

release:Mood Bells
label: Rephlex