Matchess - Fundamental 256 Hz
Artist: Matchess
Rating: EXCELLENT
Genres: Drone,  Electronic
Released: 2019
Type: Album
Label: Longform Editions
Link: Bandcamp
In Lists:
Fundamental 256 Hz takes the listener through four stages of simulated brain activity by creating binaural beats at descending speeds. The first movement features a sine wave oscillator, tuning forks, and voice creating Beta waves, the speed of the brain in conscious activity. The next section introduces a viola in just intonation – harmonically tuned fifths and octaves around the 256 Hz fundamental (128 Hz, 170 2/3Hz, and 384Hz) – to create Alpha waves, a relaxed waking brain state. The second half begins with an Arp synthesizer assisting the creation of Theta waves, the brain speed in a state of deep relaxation or just before sleep. We have some of our most unique ideas in a Theta state. The final movement reintroduces dissonant voices to induce a state of Delta energy: dreamless sleep. It was difficult to make the final movement; several times I fell asleep at the mixing board during the transition to the Delta phase!...

Deep listening plays with the notion of attention. When changes take place very slowly, only a skilled meditator could hold the sound in conscious attention for the entire duration. I find myself drifting between deep listening and absorptive hearing:

Deep Listening – Absorptive Hearing
Conscious – Subconscious
Attentive – Detached
Intentional – Intuitive
Consumptive – Receptive
Alert – Languid
Discriminating – Equanimous

released February 13, 2019
Editions:
2019 Original Release
Longform Editions | LE019 | Digital