Michael Woodman from Thumpermonkey returns with another intriguing set.

Release date: 26th April 2025

Label: Believers Roast

Format: CD / Digital

We called on the old adage of ‘expect the unexpected’ with Michael Woodman’s Psithurism album back in ’21. No chance of that with Hiss Of Today; forewarned and forearmed, were prepped as he delivers a collection of offerings with which to groove out. We’re teased by descriptions of restless analogue-synth entities crossing swords with lo-fi motorik percussion; part 60s baroque chamber pop, part Vangelis, part Thelemic ritual viewed through a broken kaleidoscope. Sounds fascinating.

STRANGE SYNCHRONICITY

A strange case of synchronicity sees him take inspiration from one of the founding members of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Sharing the same surname and birth date as William Robert Woodman adds an element of mystique. As does the opening guitar figure of V.I.T.R.I.O.L (maybe another esoteric connection with the LVX formula / Egyptian mythology / ancient brethern gubbins…) that bleeds into the languid ringing trance of No Moon, No Throne. A trip down the rabbit hole. It would appear we’re being slowly led into a hypnotic journey.

The Button might hint at more conventional songwriting but the gauntlet is picked up again by The Wandering Nerve – mention of cursed ZX Spectrum (for those old enough to remember) might provide the missing link in recreating the strange sounds within. It’s the 2025 version of a cassette tape loading the program but sounds strangely comforting and ethereal.

SPLASHES AND SLASHES

Splashes and controlled slashes of guitar (Andy Summers anyone?) and textures give Lapsed a cutting edge with some vocal parts tickling the higher register. The immersive experiments continue with carefully crafted passages invoking dreamy ambience with label owner, Gong frontman, general polymath and touring buddy Kavus Torabi also gifts his own spectral psychedelic presence to the single, Lychgate. Off the leash, they indulge in a rush of heavy rock.

The real sound of a software program loading (the hiss of yesterday) provides the intro to a grand finale in Telomeres (check the definition). A dense yet rich wash that includes Gothic church organ chords and a shamanic incantation, it’s perhaps the album summed up in an enthralling five minutes. Start the tape, type the question.

Also worth checking out the pre-release text adventure that ‘s been live for a couple of months – brilliantly retro for those of us old enough to remember. And you won’t die in the first minute…

Here’s the first single, Lychgate. Looks fun…:

Michael Woodman online: Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Bandcamp

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