Dark dubby ambiance from the Lancastrian experimentalists, out of print since 2010. Demdike Stare, the duo of Sean Canty and Miles Whittaker (half of Modern Love's Millie & Andrea along with Andy Stott), take their name from the ringleader of the Pendle Witches. Accused of three murders, she died in prison in 1622 before coming to trial. Their music seems to draw on the dark side of paganism and witchcraft while combining a world of electronic music influences. They create soundscapes of droning ambiance that are punctuated by heavy sub-bass and sparse percussion. The rhythms seem to be implied without necessarily being present. Liberation Through Hearing, the second in a series of three LPs from 2010, took its inspiration from the Tibetan Book Of The Dead. The ancient text was used to guide the reader through the experience of the consciousness occurring during the interval between death and the next rebirth, and was popular with acid gurus like Timothy Leary and Ram Dass. The LP can be said to act as a guide as well, taking you on a journey as you travel through your own consciousness. The original pressings sold out quickly and these will too. Recommended.

• music label: Modern Love 2010 / 2014

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 10/2014