Liner Notes: Comit's 'Remote Viewing' at Five Years (ASIPV017)

Liner notes are printed on thick card inside each of our vinyl releases.
See here for some background on the intention and format. I am publishing Liner Notes from existing and past releases here on Substack for all to enjoy.

Artist: Comit
Title: Remote Viewing
Format: Gatefold Orange 2LP + digital
Released: 2019

This is only my second entry into the Liner Notes series on Substack (I’m in no rush) and this is the first release that didn’t have any physical liner notes (they started around ASIPV020, I think). So it’s a bit of a reflection and trawling back through some emails on this one. With the release turning five years old today, the digital version is also Name Your Price on Bandcamp for the next 24 hours to celebrate this milestone.

Artwork:

Despite James’ brilliance in his music, he doesn't ever give me much to go on with artwork, which is both awesome and tough! He lets his music do most of the talking, and there I go, coming in with a request for something super nuanced and conceptual as always…

For this one, I remember wanting to depict something futuristic and colorful - much like the sound of IDM that James covers in this album. If you look closely at this artwork, you can probably tell what it is, but without giving too much away, it’s a photo of a famous street in Tokyo that I took (maybe the year before this all started), distorted and fractured to hell by Noah M / Keep Adding.

Story:

Before Remote Viewing, James released a small EP under the Comit alias on the now-defunct Short Trips label.

I covered this release in 2016 as one of my favorites, and then in 2017, James sent me an email saying he was working on an album’s worth of new material in a new style (without mentioning Comit), but either way, I was 100% in. Those who know how prolific James is across several styles will come to respect this sound from him. If there were a Venn diagram of James’ music, I think Comit would sit directly in the middle - with ambient on the left (as himself, ASC, Central Industries etc) and then Drum’n Bass on the right. Take the best of both those worlds and you get this magic.

James would go on to release another Comit record with ASIP ‘An Ocean Of Thoughts’ and I hope there are many more to come.

Insight:

Anybody who lived the melodic IDM style of the late 90s and early 00s will know exactly where James’ inspiration comes from. Some called it “Schnauss-esque” (Boomkat, if I remember rightly) and without a doubt the City Centre Offices vibe can be heard in the music, as directly referenced from James, along with many others. But to me, it’s not just a copy cat of that era - it takes that approach, gives you the nostalgia, but propels the sound into completely new, more breaks-forward, territory.

Comit was born out of my love for the music that was classed as 'IDM' during the mid-late 90's. I didn't start releasing music until 1999, and at that time I was heavily into drum & bass, so my production focus was 100% on that. An appreciation of labels such as Morr, City Centre Offices, Merck, Hobby Industries, (to name but a few) was the impetus behind the Deep Space Mix series I started in the early 2000's. I had experimented with producing music that would fit this genre briefly, under my ASC and Intex Systems guises, but it had never become something I'd totally devote an alias too, until I decided to start the Comit project. The core of the Comit sound is broken/glitchy breakbeats and emotive chord progressions with analog synthesizers. Overall, it creates a distinct sound that feels very separate to the music I produce as ASC. - James

Press:

This was one of our first records mastered and cut by Andreas Lupo Lubich, as he was heavily involved in shaping the early IDM era in sound, so naturally he would be at home with this record. With Lupo behind the cut, test presses were approved on the first round back in 2017.

We cut it at 45rpm to maximize the quality of the record (faster rotation = more vinyl surface to read for the needle = better quality). There was a moment when people received the record and would send Instagram videos etc playing the record at the wrong speed. I still see some today. But the best thing is, it works well at 33.3 rpm too. Give it a try.

isolatedmix 127 - David Douglas & Applescal

Two familiar names step up for our next isolated mix, with a highly conceptual approach that matches their new (and similarly conceptual) collaborative album, ‘Démarrage’.

I’m unsure where I would start if I were to create an album based on a love of cycling. Weirdly enough, it wouldn’t be the first electronic album to do so (See Kraftwerk’s, Tour De France, of course), but it’s obviously a big enough inspiration to spur electronic producers David Douglas and Applescal. After listening to t‘Démarrage’, it makes total sense, in more ways than one. The energy, euphoria, drive - even the pop of color and variation in approach - an effervescent continual movement throughout its 10 tracks.

Applescal contributed an isolatedmix some twelve (!) years ago now, and it remains one of our most popular in the series. Combining multiple styles across an addictive hour of listening, the session proved Pascal is a master at developing a conceptual narrative in mix form, and now evidently in album form. David Douglas, who has made numerous appearances on Pascal’s Atmonation label, with one highlight for me being 2014’s, Moon Observation’s, is similarly a man of conceptual understanding and many undercurrents, spending time scoring music for films and commercials, while also releasing under a new alias HATY HATY, which combines electronic and indie music tendencies.

I imagined a hybrid of styles to appear on their mix submission, and I wasn’t disappointed. But for it to also match the concept of their new album, takes it up a notch. The mix, goes as slow as Chihei, with the euphoric highs of The Paradise, sudden bursts of pace in Eversines, the anguish in Bersarin Quartett, and the comforting (I can see the finish line-vibes) of Ulrich Schnauss, in an unexpecting manner that’s on par with the unexpectedness of Fourtet’s not-so-secret secret side project.

“Just like our album "Démarrage," which is essentially a long mix of interconnected tracks, we aimed to tell a broad story with this mix. We love to approach music as a continuous mix, as you can set a certain different vibe and have tracks complement each other. Our mix for ASIP begins gently, like a warm bath, with the calming sounds of Chihei Hatakeyama's "Calm Sea." Later on, we bring up the pace with the remix from Roman Flugel. We end with a return to tranquility and introspection with work from Bersarin Quartett and Skúli Sverrisson. Just like on our new album, we added a bunch of samples of cyclists to capture the emotion of the race” - David & Pascal

astrangelyisolatedplace · isolatedmix 127 - David Dougls & Applescal

Listen on Soundcloud the ASIP Podcast or the 9128.live iOS and Android app

Download MP3

Tracklist:

01. Chihei Hatakeyama - Calm Sea
02. Tomaga - Intimate Immensity
03. Kyle Hall, Kero - 19FT
04. Unit Moebius - Dolfinarium
05. Tambo’s House - Jhe Gu Jye
06. Dusky - Metropolis
07. C.A.R - Idle eyes. (Roman Fluegel Remix) Applescal body Edit
08. The Paradise - In Love With You (Alan Braxe Remix)
09. Fasme - Sweet Flux
10. David Douglas & Applescal - Galibier
11. David Douglas & Applescal - Galibier (Gruppetto)
12. ⣎⡇ꉺლ༽இ•̛)ྀ◞ ༎ຶ ༽ৣৢ؞ৢ؞ؖ ꉺლ - ʅ͡͡͡͡͡͡͡͡͡͡͡(ƟӨ)ʃ͡͡͡͡͡͡͡͡͡͡ ꐑ(ཀ ඊູ ఠీੂ೧ູ࿃ूੂ✧✧✧✧✧✧ළඕั࿃ूੂ࿃ूੂ
13. Eversines - Vlaag
14. Eversines - Vlaag (Beatless Version)
15. Ulrich Schnauss - A Letter from Home
16. Bersarin Quartett - Verflossen ist das Gold der Tage
17. Skúli Sverrisson - Instants

Applescal | Bandcamp
David Douglas | Website

ASIP - Deep Breakfast Mix 267

The Deep Breakfast mix series has slowly (quite quickly compared to my isolatedmix efforts!) become one of the greatest ambient-leaning mix series around, pulling in some of the finest curators and artists to grace our small world. From well-known artists and DJs to passionate music collectors, it seems Francesco, the curator, is intent on hosting a series truly meant for every corner of the ambient spectrum.

The name of the mix series gives you an idea of what to expect, and for my submission, I battled hard with what style to attempt in order to live up to the many great mixes that have been featured before. Breakfast to me - deep or not - can often be light and uplifting - chill or even dubtechno on some mornings. But similarly, a deep breakfast may also mean the edges of light at 4 or 5am… and this is more the route I went with this mix. Look out for some of the many upcoming ASIP tracks featured in this one!

Big thanks to Francesco for the invite, and I hope you all enjoy the mix.

Deep Breakfast Series · Deep Breakfast 267 ~ ASIP

Listen on Soundcloud or the ASIP Podcast

Download MP3

Tracklist:
01. swanasa - AHO (A Strangely Isolated Place, Forthcoming)
02. Hiemal - Pays D'en Haut I (Self)
03. Thomas Koner - Nuut (Night) (Force Inc)
04. Markus Guentner & Abul Mogard - While Hunting Nightmares And Dreaming For Peace (A Strangely Isolated Place, Forthcoming)
05. Ayaavaaki & Purl - Einstein-Rosen Bridge (Passage II) (LILA)
06. LF58 - Utopia (Northern Electronics)
07. Avsluta - It's Always Lonely Being Free (Self)
08. Pete Namlook & Bill Laswell - Angel Tech (Subharmonic)
09. STBL - Carousel Of Light (Self)
10. Mikkel Rev - Lauryl (A Strangely Isolated Place, Forthcoming)
11. James Murray - Grace (Home Normal)
12. Robert Rich - Summer Thunder (Self)
13. OKRAA - Canto Luminoso a la Luna (A Strangely Isolated Place, Forthcoming)

Silent State + The Fires Of Ork (Pete Namlook + Geir Jenssen)

On hindsight, Silent State began with little fanfare, given where we stand today with the label’s output over the past few years. Reissues and uploads of classic albums from Pete Namlook and the extended FAX family suddenly started to become available on Bandcamp—to everyone’s surprise—and speculation was quick to rise, given the passing of Pete Namlook many years ago. However, this situation has since been clarified by Silent State founder Nils Wortmann and he can now focus on fulfilling the label’s ambition; bringing some of the most genre-defining ambient and ambient techno albums, to wider audiences through new masters and pristine physical editions.

The next album to be reissued on Silent State, is indeed worthy of the defining tag, combining FAX founder Pete Namlook with Geir Jenssen, aka Biosphere, under the The Fires Of Ork collaboration, and one of the most revered collaborations within the early days of ambient techno.

A piece of dark art ambient wizardry, Geir’s fingerprints run deep through its mystical narration- beautiful analog textures, samples, bleeps, and foreboding atmospheres. Combined with Pete’s expansive long-form musical storytelling (also quite literally, through the distorted German voice samples), the two composers are captured working in absolute harmony, in what is undoubtedly one of the best, and finest ambient techno albums of our time.

I took the opportunity to ask Nils Wortmann, founder and operator of Silent State a few questions below surrounding the labels approach and this release. Preorder the vinyl reissue, featuring fresh mastering from Stephan Mathieu and available on 2xLP on April 5th via the Silent State Bandcamp page.

Interview with Silent State founder, Nils Wortmann., March 2024. 

How did the Silent State label begin?

Nils Wortmann: First and foremost, with pure fandom. I’m a die-hard music fan and vinyl addict and listen to Ambient music for almost three decades now. It's a sonic tapestry that envelops me, offering inner calmness, inspiration, and a sort of escape from the complexity of this world. A few months before the pandemic, I embarked on a personal stretch goal that pushed me out of my comfort zone. Inspired by David Toop's "Ocean Of Sound," I aimed to write a book in German compiling 100 ambient album reviews for beginners in the genre. During this period, I found myself immersed in Pete Namlook's intriguing music, which accompanied me through the writing process. This led me to question why no one was reissuing these remarkable albums on vinyl. Securing a publisher for the book project boosted my confidence, and I began searching for assistance to steer me in the right direction. Reflecting back, I'm grateful that I persevered and continued my exploration. In March 2021, I successfully obtained the master rights to Peter's works through a legally binding contract with the former Pete Namlook estate administrator, in alignment with his family's consent. Their approval was of utmost importance to me.

In the beginning, launching a one-man label was intimidating, and delving into all the associated tasks felt daunting. However, dipping toes into Graphic Design, Contracting, Licensing, Distribution, Royalties, Data Analysis, Marketing & Promotion, Branding, Managing finances, budgeting for projects, Sync, and the entire vinyl manufacturing process was and still is really exciting. I am still learning a lot. Yet, the most rewarding aspect that energizes me is engaging with the Ambient community: connecting with former Fax heads, new fans, artists, other labels, and contributors to these reissue projects. I am incredibly grateful for this experience, though it leaves me somewhat speechless.

Was Silent State always going to be a FAX reissue-focused project?

NW: My goal then and now remains to honor Pete Namlook's legacy and share his timeless music through physical releases. While this serves as the guiding principle for Silent State, my aspiration extends to creating a platform for lesser-known artists like my man Günter Schlienz and releasing their albums on vinyl. Perhaps one day, I'll reach that point, as currently, label mates seem to primarily appreciate the Namlook releases the most. 

How are you deciding which albums to reissue? 

NW: I got my favorite albums from the Namlook cosmos and have made careful selections thus far, I believe. There's no magic formula to it, and I don't analyze streaming numbers to determine which tracks and albums are most popular. That approach doesn't resonate with me. Take Air V, for example; it doesn't appear to have garnered much popularity, but it has deeply resonated with me and continues to do so. I often come back to the album. Eventually, I plan to reissue it and simply hope for support from the audience. Is it a financial gamble? Most likely...

How do you manage the production process for reissues? Do you have full remit of choice when it comes to mastering, pressing etc? And are any artists still involved?

NW: As a solo entity running a label, the flexibility of the Silent State release schedule allows for meticulous planning of reissues well in advance. Lead time is key, so to speak. Firstly, ensuring proper mastering of the audio material for vinyl treatment is crucial. I've been fortunate to enlist Stephan Mathieu for mastering the initial catalog numbers, such as Air I/II, Silence I, and now Fires Of Ork, resulting in exceptional sound quality. Stephan Mathieu is undeniably an eminent authority in the Ambient world and one of the most experienced mastering engineers out there. Once the master prints are received, I liaise with the pressing plant to estimate delivery dates, followed by rough backward scheduling, placing orders and settling invoices.

Artwork design is paramount, and while I have a vision beforehand, I've entrusted Juliane Hohlbaum with all SSR releases' designs, and Joanna Jon's skills for gatefold sleeve and inlay designs for Fires Of Ork. We collaborate in refinement meetings to finalize the design. For upcoming projects, I've secured Andre Ruello, known for his work on almost every Fax album, which is incredibly exciting! Upon receiving audio material and print data, the pressing plant handles production until I inspect the test pressings diligently. Although nerve-wracking at times, such as the Silence I reissue requiring multiple lacquer cuts, these incidents are rare. Fires Of Ork, in particular, has turned out exceptionally well. Geir and I decided to release the album on Silent State, agreeing to collaborate on design but with less involvement in the physical production phase.

This all speaks to a great focus on quality, and I see this first-hand with the records I have purchased from you. I probably know this answer, but is this a time-intensive project for you?

NW: First and foremost, thank you for noticing and asking me about it. The truth of the matter is, that it is a time-intensive project. But although the tasks can be time-consuming, I genuinely enjoy them. In the midst of all the digital pressure, I find solace in unplugging and engaging in hands-on activities like preparing download codes, stamping envelopes, writing postcards and recently, delving into lino-printing, such as for "Fires Of Ork." The other day, I produced 100 lino prints using a wooden tortilla press I acquired from the US. It was both exhausting and incredibly enjoyable because my latest son insisted in helping me out and we listened to some records while printing together. Additionally, I plan to include a review from a fan, Michael Thomas, whose journey with Fax Records began with "Fires Of Ork." I did this with Paul Livingstone, another Fax head, for Air II and it was also really well received. These are moments in time and a rare chance to revisit these classic albums and to pay respect to the art and to properly engrave it in history.

Fires Of Ork is, of course, a big favorite of mine. Was it an easy project to clear?

NW: Surprisingly, clearing this album was relatively straightforward. Geir, being quite approachable, mentioned in our e-mail exchanges that he frequently receives inquiries about a vinyl reissue of Fires of Ork. Given that Fires of Ork is also a personal favorite of mine, we quickly established a licensing agreement and initiated the project. For me, it was an obvious decision, considering I own every Biosphere album, and Geir is undoubtedly one of the foremost ambient artists out there. This opportunity feels truly unique, and I'm certain I'll fondly reminisce about this thrilling project in the future.

Two of Silent State’s previous heralded reissues on my turntables.

Do you have a favorite of the Namlook or Biosphere catalog, one that you may not get to reissue?

Unlike many Namlook enthusiasts, I deeply connect with the Air and Silence series, cherishing them dearly. Additionally, I have a strong appreciation for the "Music For Urban Meditation" series, which, surprisingly, doesn't receive as much attention as it deserves imho. While reissuing the latter one on vinyl carries financial risks, I fear I might regret not attempting it. Man, these drones are just amazing. Moreover, I find “Music For Ballet“ fascinating. In my quest for more insight, I engaged in a lengthy conversation with Christian Moeller, the former director of "Electro Clips," and delved into the archives of the Institute for Urban History Frankfurt, exploring reviews and learning more about the William Forsythe ensemble. I even obtained licenses for some previously unreleased images from Ivan Nemec who photographed this orcherstration. This reissue project has been ongoing for over 1.5 years now and may still require additional time, especially as it will include a booklet, and progress moves at a slow pace. Nonetheless, as the saying goes, good things take time. Another favorite is undoubtedly the Sultan series...still ahead of it's time and such an incredible piece of art.

What other gems can we expect soon?

NW: I'm constantly working on new projects, like the aforementioned Music For Ballet project, but I also enjoy keeping some surprises for label friends. While I can't reveal specific details about release schedule just yet, rest assured that there are some exciting gems in the works! The next reissue is planned for November 2024.

~

Preorder Fires of Ork via Silent State on April 5th.

Monument Waves 002 : ASIP

A new mix for the brilliant Monument platform, and their new series ‘Waves’ which looks to feature more of the ambient side of things, rather than the deep techno world they are known for, if the first of the series by Chris SSG is any indication.

After our label showcase mix I did for them a few years back, I was extremely pleased to return to Monument again and decided on a new approach for #2.

Taking inspiration from the podcast series’ title, I aimed to create a mix that focused on repetition and layers, as if staring out to sea watching blankets of waves roll in from miles out; changing in intensity, but forever calming in their unbound repetition.

The result is reflective of the many adjacent styles I enjoy from ambient, to IDM and deeper techno and some of the seconds of tracks that stand out to me, or I forever wished to be looped in my head - be it a texture, vocal or beat pattern.

Thank you Monument for the support over the years, and for inviting me to what I am sure will become a very special series.

MONUMENT · Monument Waves 002 : ASIP

Listen on Soundcloud or the ASIP Podcast

Download MP3

Tracklist:

01. Mikkel Rev - Evocation  [Unreleased / A Strangely Isolated Place] (Loop/edit)
02. Chronovalve - Almost There [Home Normal] (Loop/edit)
03 . Yumi Iwaki - Nocturnal[Kankyō Records]  (Loop/edit)
04. DJ Healer - Great Escape [All Possible Worlds] (Loop/edit)
05. Susumu Yokota - No Kaori [Leaf Label] (Loop/edit)
06. The National Pool - Through The Beach [Infraction] (Loop/edit)
07. Bana Haffar - Lifter [Touch] (Loop/edit)
08. Pontiac Streator - Stuck In A Cave [Motion Ward] (Loop/edit)
09. TSR - 01 [Record Union] (Loop/edit)
10. Christina Chatfield - Sutro [Mysteries of the Deep] (Loop/edit)
11. Oneohtrix Point Never - Format & Journey North [Arbor] (Loop/edit)
12. Gi Gi - Montjuic Feat. Mi Mi [Quiet Time] (Loop/edit)
13. Jonny Nash - All I Ever Need [Melody As Truth] (Loop/edit)
14. Saphileaum - Elegant Voyage [Mysteries of The Deep] (Loop/edit)
15. RQ - Hounds (Sam KDC remix) [Auxiliary] (Loop/edit)
16. Michael Stearns - In The Beginning [Continuum Montage] (Loop/edit)
17. Solar Quest - Flying Spirals [Crammed Discs] (Loop/edit)
18. Zodiac Childs - Kepler Track Two (Zodiac Wax) (Loop/edit)
19. Central Industrial - After Image [Auxiliary] (Loop/edit)
20. Intrepid Soul - Under The Sun (The Gods Planet) (Loop/edit) 
21. Anatolian Weapons - Teachings In Stone [Self] (Loop/edit)
22. Theef - Sun & Smoke  (Unreleased / A Strangely Isolated Place) (Loop/edit)
23. Quiet Places - Side B (A Strangely Isolated Place) (Loop/edit)
24. Courtesy - You're Not Alone [Kulør] (feat. Erika de Casier & August Rosenbaum) (Loop/edit)
25. Maxime Denuc - Ouverture [Vlek] (Loop/edit)
26. µ-Ziq - Whale Soup [Self] (Loop/edit)
27. Adam Johnson - Version 02 [Merck] (Loop/edit)
28. Autechre - Bronchusevernmx24 + Aphex Twin - On + Aleksi Perala - UK74R1406070 (edit)
29. Pub - Summer [Vertical Form] (Loop/edit)
30. Loess - Sofar [Toytronic] (edit)
31. Biosphere - Monju 1 [Touch] (Loop/edit)
32. Salvatore Mercatante - Classical [Unreleased]
33. OKRAA - La Gran Corriente [Unreleased / A Strangely Isolated Place]
34. Lihla - Becoming Human [A Strangely Isolated Place] (Loop/edit)
35. Ylia - Drifting Off into The Waves  [Balmat] (Loop/edit)
36. The Eightsome Reel - A Stranger Landing  [Self] (Loop/edit)
37. Terre Thaemlitz - Music is Controllable Desire You Can Own [Self]
38. Echospace - Love Always Lives [Self] 
39. Bill Laswell & Pete Namlook - Telepathy II [FAX] (Loop/edit)