I know what you’re thinking: “More Endurance?” I didn’t think there was any way that Japan-based ambient musician Joshua Stefane, the artist behind the Endurance brand (and also the superb Muzan Editions tape label), had any more tricks up his sleeve. He’s just … has really put out a lot of music.
You might say that Stefane has “endured” over the years.
(Pun definitely intended!)
We Can Sleep Now (Unifactor) is his latest masterpiece, and if the title is any indication, you’re in for the tranquil ride of your life. Channeling a spirit of isolation, Stefane wrangles synths and tape samples, layering them until they’re like a blanket of dark matter enveloping perception. But like a warm, snuggly blanket of dark matter that you can curl in beside a fireplace while the winter wind howls outside and frigid waves swirl against the face of the rocky coastline.
Close your eyes, imagine that, and with the help of We Can Sleep Now, you’re there.
Stefane’s permission is definitely a desperately needed directive for us to finally rest in the midst of this natural upheaval, to close our eyes and slumber and recuperate and unconsciously process and block out the noise and static of the world. “Yes,” says Stefane, “truly, We Can Sleep Now.”
“Wait a minute,” you say, “you’re just telling us the title of your album, not presenting us with a directive. I can hear the italics in your voice.”
“Shh, shh,” says Stefane. “WE CAN SLEEP NOW.”
Huh. And so we can.
More about: Endurance
