THO’s music utilizes raw organic and digital audio material combined with synthesized
sound, noise patterns and live improvisation. Harnessing hypnotically involved
soundscapes, digitally dissected samples, blended melody and rhythm, The Hypnogogic
Orchestra creates an ever-changing energy vehicle with the potential of bringing
the listener into that waking sleep where dreams and reality collide.
Officially (?) conceived in Colorado in 1999, the Orchestra quickly found its
place among the avant-garde and experimental art communities of Denver. The
group’s development has held a close relationship with local underground art,
music and performance movements, often becoming deeply involved with local production
groups and collectives. During their first few years, the Orchestra worked heavily
with local production groups and event promoters (Backwards Records and the
Kallisti Kollectif mostly) to organize multi media art and music events around
the Denver metro area, and became a familiar presence at Colorado media shows,
outdoor music events, clubs, galleries and even junkyards, playing with many
internationally recognized projects.
The summer of 2001 marked a turning point in the project’s development as the
Orchestra was freed from its geographical confines in an attempt to pursue and
develop it’s creative process in other parts of the country (mainly New York
City and Seattle). Despite the spatial separation, the members musical bond
persists via modern communion. Exchanging media and recordings, THO collaborate
in the writing process via the internet and mail, and record together whenever
circumstances permit.
Having completed a large body of work distributed through various compilations,
the individual members of The Hypnogogic Orchestra perform their singular interpretations
of the project’s collective goals in their respective locations and across the
country. The solo performances bring a new perspective to the accomplished material,
and make each performance a unique expression of the work. Arrangements are
often made for members to make cameo appearances with each other from time to
time.
REVIEWS
"Hypnotic and involved as their name would suggest, sampled bits of film
and television soundtracks are processed and blended beyond recognition, slowly
throbbing rhythms emerge from a soup of mood and method, while the listener
slides deeper in."
Noah Mickens, 36 Invisibles
"Being in the first few hours of quitting caffeine, the Hypnogogic Orchestra
is the last thing I need to be listening to, because I feel like I'm submerged
in water, or on morphine. Their experimental, electronic noise is cool and quiet,
and perfect if you want to slip into a Xanax trance. Often emitting the airiest
of sounds, just above silence, the music is similar to a slow motion horror
movie soundtrack with some eerie dream-like voice samples and the occasional
heartbeat."
Katie Shimer, Portland Mercury
"Most amazing shows seen in the last two months."
Spirit of 1848 News
"slightly creepy."
pdxsalon
"A word to the wise, don't ever do a whippit, listening to the 'hypnogogic
orchestra', while driving on the freeway (naked)...I don't know if they put
sumbliminal messages in that shit or what, but, I nearly freaked. Wow. Huh,
guys, seriously, are there any subliminal messages in Hypno orch musiqz, I have
developed a strange fetish?"
Mark (fan review)
"f a n t a s m o g o g i c! I am extremely fortunate to have it, so rare. I've listened to it every day."
Christine (fan review)