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Draft:Codex iv

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    1. Codex VI (Shpongle Album)
    • Codex VI** is the sixth studio album by the British psychedelic electronic music project **Shpongle**, released on October 23, 2017. Known for their unique blend of psychedelic trance, world music, and downtempo, Shpongle has continued to push the boundaries of electronic music with **Codex VI**, offering a deep, immersive auditory experience that encapsulates their signature sound.
      1. Background

Following their 2013 album **Museum of Consciousness**, **Codex VI** marks another milestone in Shpongle’s exploration of psychedelic music. As with their previous works, the album was produced by Simon Posford (aka Hallucinogen) and features the collaborative input of Raja Ram, whose flute and vocal contributions are a hallmark of the band's sound. **Codex VI** is characterized by its complex arrangements, blending electronic beats with organic instrumentation, and is seen as a continuation of the band's psychedelic journey.

      1. Concept and Themes

The title **Codex VI** suggests an exploration of esoteric and mystical themes, much like a hidden manuscript or a book of ancient knowledge. Each track on the album delves into various sonic landscapes, combining electronic elements with diverse world music influences, creating a rich and textured listening experience that aligns with the psychedelic ethos of Shpongle.

      1. Track Listing

1. **Remember the Future** – 11:21

  A long, evolving track that features a blend of ethereal pads, exotic instruments, and shifting rhythms, creating a sense of looking forward into a fantastical, unknown future.

2. **The Magumba State** – 11:58

  An upbeat, rhythmically complex track filled with tribal drumming, Raja Ram's flute, and psychedelic effects that evoke a trance-like state, as if participating in an ancient shamanic ritual.

3. **Empty Branes** – 9:54

  A sonically dense piece that combines swirling synthesizers, glitchy beats, and vocal samples to explore concepts of physics, consciousness, and the universe.

4. **Are We There Yet?** – 8:54

  A playful track with a blend of quirky samples, uplifting melodies, and steady grooves that suggest a journey both within the mind and across imaginary landscapes.

5. **Herr Gringleflapper's Secret Stash Box** – 8:13

  Characterized by its whimsical nature, this track uses an array of unconventional sounds and effects, layered over groovy basslines and complex percussions.

6. **Strange Planet** – 10:40

  A slower, more atmospheric composition with an introspective mood, featuring a combination of synthetic and acoustic elements that evoke imagery of a distant, unknown world.

7. **I Woke Up as a Shlummutz** – 12:56

  A dynamic closing track that encapsulates the full spectrum of Shpongle's sound—ambient passages, hypnotic beats, world music influences, and psychedelic soundscapes—all blended into an epic conclusion.
      1. Style and Production
    • Codex VI** continues Shpongle's tradition of fusing organic and electronic sounds to create their distinct, otherworldly music. Simon Posford's mastery in sound design, production, and mixing is evident throughout the album, blending traditional instrumentation with cutting-edge electronic manipulation. The production style is intricate, often involving hundreds of layers of sound that are meticulously crafted to create an immersive listening experience.
      1. Artwork

The album cover for **Codex VI**, designed by the visionary artist **Killian Moore**, is a psychedelic piece of art that features a complex, geometric design, reflecting the album's themes of exploration and mysticism. The cover art is consistent with Shpongle's tradition of using visually striking artwork that complements the surreal and mind-expanding nature of their music.

      1. Reception
    • Codex VI** was well-received by fans of Shpongle and the broader psychedelic music community. Critics praised the album for its creativity, production quality, and its ability to continue the Shpongle legacy while still offering fresh sounds and experiences. The album has been noted for its ability to take listeners on a journey, both sonically and mentally, staying true to the spirit of Shpongle's earlier works.
      1. Conclusion
    • Codex VI** is a testament to Shpongle's ongoing innovation in the realm of psychedelic music. With its intricate compositions, diverse influences, and expansive soundscapes, the album serves as both a continuation and an evolution of Shpongle's unique sound. It remains a must-listen for anyone interested in the convergence of electronic music, psychedelia, and world influences.

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