The Hanging Sky

Simple one this week - I’ve been to Hardwick Hall. It’s been a long time since I could actually go in the house, and it was lovely. Get your muniments in order and enjoy!

I fully intend to not talk this season unless I have to. I might do some additional notes episodes, and I suppose I might need to make announcements, but I’d rather not. I’m aiming at a more full abstraction if you like, although I’d say the words are the abstraction and this is reality. Unless I’m slipping away? Things I’m enjoying this week: For the Setting Sun by CommsBreakdown & Socool listening to it as I write this in fact. Witch BBC radio show exploring what it means to be a witch today Julie Enfield Investigates another BBC radio show which is a deep and peculiar crime drama I’m also reading this article from Liz Pelly that I found vis the Mirlo newsletter - a quick and interesting read

Additional notes - an explanation of what’s been happening, why it’s taken a while, and what might be coming next. Content warning - around 18 minutes in I talk a little bit about the impact of pet bereavement - there is a warning and pause before I do. Sinister Viscosity is available from Bandcamp as a digital download or on actual real live CD media.

Back for a special before Season 7 starts! It’s been a while, and a while longer than I expected. But I think I’m back and heading into another season. Important News - I will be livestreaming an episode as part of the 3rd W3dn35day online gigs organised by this occasional society and hosted by Mel at Gravitons. Long time listeners will know I’ve been trying to sort something like this for a long time and failed regularly so thanks to T.O.S. for signing me up, and Mel for making it all work! Also, new album from a side project - I’ve mentioned the band many time before, and now Steve and I have an album out: Sinister Viscosity Digital download direct from me Bandcamp - download and/or CD I’m so glad to finally have a something tangible after playing music with Steve for so long!

Very talky episode this time as I launch the new album: Digital copies available on my faircamp site CD and Vinyl copies are available through elasticStage Album art t-shirts are available from Teemill Excellent musicians to check out: attks th drknss C.Circo Kristoffer Lislegaard[ luka prinčič](https://prin.lu/) Meljoann Settoshi Tonami this occasional society Xylander Online places to hang out and see cool musicians playing cool music: Gravitons The Indie Beat TV Other interesting things: Bennerley Viaduct D H Lawrence Society Vera Bannau Brycheiniog Smiley’s People[ LoopMoth’s Etsy Shop](https://www.etsy.com/shop/LoopMoth)

Time to talk about (and then play), each track in the second half of the album. The album is out now!

Now let’s try something more different for me. I’m going to talk about, and then play, each track on the new album. I didn’t want to overload anyone or make the episode too long so I’ve split in into two episodes - Side One and Side Two. Because I’m old and full of whimsy today.

I thought I’d tell you the story of the Useless Tree as we get into what the new album is about.

I’m about to release a new album. For a change I thought I’d try talking about it a bit. I’m easing into it with this episode.

Some news that I think warrants a bonus episode! I’ve improved the website so you can now get news through email or RSS instead of having to listen to me I have a track on the just released Four Seasons of Bonk Wave Autumn Waves 1 album That track is also on my Broadcast EP and some of that is on the physical media release Connector: Overtime Edition Inspiration for getting the website and words more sorted: this occasional society - for their excellent newsletter ATTKS TH DRKNSS - for their blog and talking about meanings in instrumental music Was Emulsion of Mabon a knock-off of the Wicker Man? A lot of people saw similarities in some of themes at least. A kind of folk-horror that was probably creepier, darker, and sexier but ultimately weirder and more abstract. Does anyone actually know what is going on most of the time in this film? The woods are majestic, the fires are numerous, and ultimately where you can read Edward Woodward’s death in the Wicker Man as generally horrible or a positive precursor to rebirth and future wellbeing, this ends as a true uplifting celebration. The darkness as a welcoming partner rather than something to be cautioned about.