Album: Solve & Coagula
Artist: Arcaïde
Label: Sombre Soniks
Catalogue no:
N/A
Tracklist:
1. Solve
(Part 1)
2. Solve
(part 2)
3. Solve
(Part 3)
4. Solve
(Part 4)
5. Coagula
(Part 1)
6. Coagula
(Part 2)
7. Coagula
(Part 3)
8. Coagula
(Part 4)
The phrase ‘Solve &
Coagula’ (or ‘Solve et Coagula’), for those not in the know, is a Latin phrase
meaning ‘separate and join’, and is most frequently encountered in the Royal
Art of Alchemy. In the context of this eight-track release, we’re talking not
about the popular definition of the physical
act of alchemy ie., turning lead into gold, but the spiritual process: the refining of the lead of earth-bound material
man into the divinely attuned and cosmic man, with particular reference to the
work of Carl Jung.
I won’t pretend to be au fait with Jung’s analysis of alchemy
(although I did once read an abstruse series of lectures on the subject by his
daughter many years ago), but I am a
little familiar with the theoretical magical underpinnings behind the practise
and I think this music has to be viewed in context. In essence, in layman’s
terms as we are now we’re enmeshed in materiality, given that we are born into
a materially-constituted world. In spite of that, every human has a spark of
the divine contained within, and spiritual alchemy’s aim is to slough off the
shell of the earthly man and become divine (or enlightened) in order to reach
the Godhead. In other words, a journey with the aim of creating order out of
chaos, and attaining divine knowledge to free us from ignorance. A work wherein
opposites are reconciled and understood as basic necessities in the dual
universe we exist within. Sounds simple, of course, but it demands a lot of
work and self-sacrifice.
In terms of the work
presented here, how has Arcaïde (a French-based project) translated this
complex process into sound? Given my limited knowledge of the practical
minutiae of alchemy, it’s fair to say that we begin in chaotic darkness:
‘Solve’ parts 1 – 4 evolve from the primum
materia of noise and structural anarchy and dissolution into something
resembling cohesion, although not fully so. As suggested by the unresolved and
unrefined essences the work has to start with, we’re initially presented with a
chaotic mélange of random cacophonic outbursts, grating high-pitched whines and
scrapes, sharp metallic explosions, bass pulses, crackling static, distant
knockings, and much else. The first four tracks are never allowed to coalesce
into something too coherent for too long, but one does discern a gradual and
slowly creeping sense of order finally asserting itself. Ultimately, Part 4
announces this with a loping bass sequence, staccato percussion and distorted
vocals before breaking apart into a miasma of hissing and glitching until an
equilibrium of sorts is reached – we’re not quite there yet, but much has
already been accomplished.
The second set, ‘Coagula
(Parts 1 – 4)’, presents an entirely different tone. The work is beginning to
have its effect, and the cohesion is more apparent. Shimmering ringing tones
lead us into the second stage of the process before metamorphosing into
something creepier and sinister, perhaps preparing us for the real purpose of
alchemy (and occultism in general): confronting ourselves with ourselves (aka the ‘dark night of the soul’). This is
particularly apparent on the following track – even creepier and sparser
atmospheres, brooding and oppressive, interweaved with silences that are just
as heavy. The theme is expanded on Part 3, and the silent voids are squirming
with all our fears combined. And then, finally, a magnificent conclusion is
reached, the breaking of the bonds that tie us to an earthbound slavery: the
chains break, the divine spark has been ignited, and the soul flies free.
This release is an
example of how truly affecting music can be, be it melodic or, as here,
unstructured but coherent. It’s even better understood when the context is
known. This is what dark ambient means to me: a music that takes me on an inner
journey, atmospherics that allow my imagination free rein, and sounds that
metaphorically disengages me from the burden of gravity.
Excellent.
Psymon Marshall 2019
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