Emancipator's 'Mountain of Memory' is a peaceful and contemplative journey to enlightenment
Emancipator has come a long way with his latest release, 'Mountain of Memory', and its a perfectly peaceful and contemplative release that suits the times.
The producer and DJ, whose real name is Douglas Appling, began with the self-released 2006 album 'Soon It Will Be Cold Enough' while still a college student, but he already displayed some solid talent and a signature sound, drawing some comparisons to fellow electronica trip-hop artist Bonobo. It's a sound that's difficult to categorize as any one genre. And with 'Mountain of Memory', Appling just takes this sound even further into unknown territory. And that makes for a remarkably unique release that requires multiple listens, each yielding a different emotional response.
For the most part, this release has songs with a much stronger jazz undertone, but it blends effortlessly with the overarching electronica sound that ties the whole album together. As Billboard put it, "...this is the soundtrack to a fairy tale for an urban generation, and we happily accept the expedition." While they were referring specifically to the track 'Labyrinth', this can really be said for the whole album. It's a trip into the world Appling creates for us, a meditative and introspective space that feels like you’re on an intimate journey with fellow listeners even if they aren’t right next to you. And that, probably, is why this release feels so perfectly-timed.
Even Appling tweeted about the release by saying, "In a time like this, we all need some new music to lift our spirits. I am very excited to present you 'Mountain of Memory'," and that is exactly what this album does: It uplifts you.
To that end, it’s hard to pick a single track to highlight. Because the 14 tracks work as a free-flowing stream, one that can go from slow classical productions to mid-tempo dance grooves and incorporate everything from pianos, electric and acoustic guitars, and a variety of stringed instruments to Persian dilruba, Latin and African hand drumming, cimbaloms, finger snaps, music boxes, and even Baroque flutes and opera singers. It’s a symphony of sounds from all over the world, working in perfect harmony to create a single, unified experience.
"The album has a loose narrative of rising from the swamps, to the summit of a mountain, and the journey of enlightenment in between," says Appling. "By the end of the album, you are standing atop the Mountain of Memory."
Hearing this album live would be indescribable. Unfortunately, the Emancipator Ensemble, comprised of Doug Appling (production/guitar), Ilya Goldberg (violin), Colby Buckler (drums), Mub Fractal (bass), and Asher Fulero (keys), have had to reschedule their tour schedule due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Their updated schedule sees them kick things off at Nevada City on July 9, ending in LA on July 25. A follow-up fall tour kicks off on September 23 from Minneapolis.
In the meantime, however, be sure to stream ‘Mountain of Memory’ here.
To listen to or buy Emancipator's work or merch, visit emancipatormusic.com. Follow him on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for the latest updates.