Danny Passarella and Emilie Albisser have been at the forefront of the electronic underground for more than 15 years. Their eclectic output takes in haunting tunes, sweeping soundscapes, and plenty of high-impact cuts. They have collaborated with the likes of Perc, had their epic ‘Just Like Sleep’ featured prominently in the soundtrack of the BAFTA-winning video game ‘Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice’ and got support from tastemakers like Optimo, Daniel Avery, and Norman Nodge. They are also known as cult and provocative clothing designers and social activists with their ‘RA!SE’ publication working to shine a light on global human rights issues. It’s been 13 years since their self-titled debut LP gave the world a comprehensive look at their musical vision; now they are back with a follow-up that is sure to put them front and center once again.
How to listen: There are a couple of ways to proceed. First, you can listen to the whole album, which you will find below, and then read the notes. Or, read the notes as you listen to each track. This will completely change your perspective on the whole release itself and bring you closer to the artist and their work.
Words by Passarella Death Squad
In Heaven
“A world of visions. In another universe.”Pleasure, dreams, visions, pictures of temptations, beams of light, blazes of glory…..’In Heaven’ is about escapism.
Creatures Inspired by Larry Clarke’s ‘Tulsa’ photo series and my own experiences, Creatures is about youthful abandonment and drug culture.
Just Like Sleep
This is about the artist Danny Williams. Danny was Andy Warhol’s one-time lover, collaborator, and filmmaker in his own right. Danny mysteriously went missing at the age of 27. His sister whose book, ‘A Walk Into The Sea’ is about his life. The title ’Just Like Sleep’ comes from the short film ‘Like Sleep’ made in 1965 by Paul Morrissey. Like Danny, Paul was also part of the Warhol world, at one point both Danny & Paul operated the elaborate light shows for the Velvet Underground’s early “Exploding Plastic Inevitable” shows.‘Just Like Sleep’ has also been featured predominantly in the multi award winning videogame ‘Hellblade, Senua’s Sacrifice’
Solaris
“When did the gates collapse? We once were figures of light” Solaris is about the breakdown from within; mentally and physically and then the hopeful rise and rebuild.
When They Die
Originally titled ‘We Like It When They Die’ as the far rights joy on the recent cross channel immigrants in trouble. Such a fucked up outlook on life. The lines ‘The mighty now nothing but a number’ and ‘The best did not return’ are inspired by the book ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’ by Viktor Frankl.
No Mas
“For everyone, There is a star, Bigger than the sun” From the foreword to the ‘2001 A Space Odyssey’ novel, states there are as many stars in the known universe as there have been humans who have walked the planet. Something to reflect upon in hard times. Whilst ‘No Mas’ is about hope & rising above, the title comes from the famous boxing fight between Roberto Durán vs. Sugar Ray Leonard II, with Roberto apparently saying ‘No Mas’ to end the fight.
What We Are, You Shall Be
At the entrance to the Capuchin Monastery Crypt in Brno, Czech Republic there is an inscription ‘Tu Fui, Ego Eris’ which translates roughly as ‘What We Are, You Shall Be’. Depending on your source there is also a longer translation, which goes: ‘What You Are, I Was. What I Am, You Will Be’ led to the lines ‘What We Are, You Shall Be, What We Once Were, You Shall Be’. Also inspired by the works of Epicurus, an ancient Greek philosopher who promoted the theory of not fearing the gods, the gods are happy, just live your life.
Empire
Searching for the mystic treasure from within, a bit like the ‘Mysterious Cities of Gold’ cartoon series from the early 1980s.
From Dust To Deity
Another Epicurus-inspired track.
For Love
“For love is much more than love, It’s the force within the moment” A song about the glory, the chaos, the force, and the vibrations of love. A celebration from within.
