Shpongle
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| Shpongle | |
|---|---|
 Cover art for Are You Shpongled?, featuring the Shpongle logo. |
|
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Years active | 1996- |
| Genres | Psybient |
| Labels | Twisted Records |
| Members | Simon Posford Raja Ram |
| Website(s) | http://www.shpongle.com/ |
Shpongle (IPA: ˈʃpɒŋ.gl̩) is considered to be one of the most important and influential psychedelic downtempo or Psybient music projects of recent years. The members are Simon Posford (aka Hallucinogen) and Raja Ram (one third of The Infinity Project). Their sound is a mix mainly consisting of sampled eastern ethnic instruments and western contemporary synthesizer-based psychedelic music. Posford is responsible for the synth and studio work while Raja Ram contributes with flute arrangements. They are both responsible for the visionary input. According to one interview, they commonly visualize the music together before they create it, and during the creation process.
Shpongle's first track, Vapour Rumours, was released on TIP Records' Infinite Excursions compilation in 1996. Their debut album, Are You Shpongled?, was released 1998 on Twisted Records. The high sound quality, eclectic mix of samples, instruments and synths, along with the story and progress of the music through the album, made it one of the most cutting edge releases of that time. Are You Shpongled? and Twisted Records' first downtempo compilation, ...and the Day Turned to Night, made a huge impact on the psychedelic trance scene in 1998. These two releases were very influential in the psychedelic downtempo genre, which was small and undefined at the time. Although neither Are You Shpongled? nor ...and the Day Turned to Night were the first psychedelic downtempo releases, they are considered by many to be among the most important.
On January 23rd 2007 Twisted Records announced that a fourth Shpongle album is in the works, to be released early 2008.
Contents |
[edit] Discography
[edit] Studio Albums
- Are You Shpongled? (1998)
- Tales of the Inexpressible (2001)
- Nothing Lasts...But Nothing Is Lost (2005)
- Upcoming Fourth Album (TBA)
[edit] Remix Albums
- Divine Moments of Truth (2000)
- Shpongle Remixed (2003)
[edit] Trivia
- The Shpongle logo, the 'Shpongle Mask' was designed by Sat Ram Bradley and was rebuilt in 3D by Calx Design for the later album covers.
- It has been noted that the Shpongle logo is reminiscent of the cover art on Pink Floyd's Relics.
