Tryptamine, the experimental electro-acoustic duo composed of Charles F. Moreland III and futurebum, continues to make waves in the world of avant-garde music with the release of their eighth project, Disjointr. Known for their boundary-pushing soundscapes that blend elements of ambient, electronic, and acoustic music, Tryptamine takes listeners on an immersive journey that merges the boundaries of music, consciousness, and controversial history.
Unpacking the Shadows of American History
In Disjointr, Tryptamine navigates some of the most enigmatic and shadowy corners of recent American history, focusing on figures whose contributions were controversial, often obscured, or intentionally forgotten. The album dives into the realms of two individuals whose theories and work have been steeped in intrigue and mystery: Wilhelm Reich and Robert Monroe.
- Wilhelm Reich: A psychoanalyst whose work with Orgone Accumulators in the mid-20th century sparked controversy. Reich believed that he had discovered a universal life energy, which he called orgone, and developed a device he claimed could harness and channel it for healing. His theories and inventions challenged the scientific and governmental establishment, ultimately leading to his arrest and the destruction of his research.
- Robert Monroe: Known for his pioneering work in Hemi-Sync (hemispheric synchronization) and its supposed potential to alter consciousness. His collaborations with the CIA hinted at the use of sound technology to manipulate the brain’s frequency, a concept that would later fuel countless conspiracy theories about government control, surveillance, and psychological manipulation.
A Lyrical and Sonic Convergence of Influences
What sets Disjointr apart is not only its complex subject matter but also the diverse range of voices and influences that Tryptamine weaves into the fabric of the album. The LP includes contributions from Kool AD, of the hip-hop duo Das Racist, and Stix Omar, a member of Berlin’s electronic outfit Easter. Both artists bring their unique sensibilities to the album, bridging the divide between electro-acoustic pop and hip-hop with a deep dive into some of the darker narratives of American history.
- Kool AD’s Verses: Known for his sharp and often satirical lyrical style, Kool AD infuses the album with a critical eye towards cultural and political themes, questioning widely held narratives and drawing listeners further into Tryptamine’s exploration of these historical enigmas.
- Stix Omar’s Production Influence: Hailing from Berlin’s electronic scene, Stix Omar lends a distinctively European electronic flavor to Disjointr, balancing the album’s exploratory and cerebral leanings with smooth, compelling beats and arrangements that draw listeners into a rhythmic trance.
Bridging Sound and Consciousness
The music of Disjointr is as much a journey of sound as it is a probing of consciousness itself. The compositions tap into elements of ambient, drone, and experimental pop, a style Tryptamine has cultivated over their releases to stimulate introspective and expansive listening experiences. The tracks draw from the tonal manipulation theories explored in Monroe’s Hemi-Sync experiments, subtly playing with frequencies to engage listeners on a sensory level, immersing them in Tryptamine’s unique critique of governmental and cultural conspiracies.
“Disjointr”: A Reflection on Contemporary Narratives
In a time when conspiracy theories have surged back into the public eye, Tryptamine offers a nuanced perspective, encouraging listeners to question, contemplate, and perhaps even empathize with figures like Reich and Monroe, whose contributions may have been misunderstood, suppressed, or deliberately misconstrued. Disjointr doesn’t seek to glorify or dismiss these theories but instead provides a rich, complex, and sometimes eerie soundscape that mirrors the ambiguity of the subject matter.
The release of Disjointr reinforces Tryptamine’s role as provocateurs in the realm of electro-acoustic music, unafraid to tread into controversial themes while pushing the boundaries of sound. This album promises to be both a journey for the listener and a mirror for modern society, challenging the narratives we accept and inviting a closer look at the stories we choose to forget.
Listen to Disjointr on YouTube and Spotify to experience this sonic exploration of history and consciousness firsthand.
